Balena's revolutionary BioSneakers mark a bold departure from the environmental pitfalls of the conventional footwear industry. Through our unwavering commitment to sustainability, we've meticulously designed a fully compostable sneaker, challenging industry norms and championing circularity.
Our journey, fueled by innovation and circular design principles, not only redefines the concept of circular footwear but also signals a transformative shift towards responsible production, consumption and end-of-life practices.
The footwear industry, notorious for its environmental impact, contributes to staggering levels of pollution and waste. With an annual influx of around 24 billion shoes, a shocking 90% end up in landfills or are incinerated, releasing harmful pollutants into environment and the atmosphere. Conventional materials in footwear slow the decomposition process, exacerbating the environmental burden. Motivated by an urgent need for change, Balena sought to disrupt this industry, embarking on a journey to create a fully compostable sneaker, aiming to break free from the vicious cycle of waste and pollution.
Over the past year, the Balena team explored alternatives to conventional materials used in shoes, striving to replace harmful components with natural and biodegradable options. Every design choice emphasized circularity, spanning from minimizing material usage and reducing waste to eradicating reliance on conventional plastics, metals, and glues and adopted the direct injection method on the upper.
Our revolutionary Biosneaker sole is crafted from BioCirFlex, an advanced, flexible, and fully compostable thermoplastic elastomer that serves as a paradigm shift away from toxic, fossil fuel-based materials. This innovative material allows for mass production through various methods such as injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing using filaments or pellets.
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