Balena, a pioneering material science company, announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Stella McCartney, a leader in sustainable fashion. The partnership features Balena’s innovative BioCir® Flex material in Stella McCartney’s highly anticipated S-Wave Sport trainers, now available on Stella McCartney’s website.
BioCir® Flex is a compostable, recyclable, and biobased alternative to traditional plastics. This collaboration exemplifies the shared vision of Balena and Stella McCartney: integrating innovation and circularity to create truly sustainable design solutions.
BioCir® Flex is a next-generation material that combines high-performance qualities with environmental responsibility:
- Compostable & Recyclable: Designed for circularity, it biodegrades into renewable biomass in industrial composting facilities. It can also be recycled for continuous use.
- Biobased Innovation: Made from sustainable sources like castor beans, oils, and polysaccharides, BioCir® Flex does not compete with food resources.
- Durable & Flexible: As durable as TPU and as flexible as rubber, it absorbs impact and responds to motion, making it ideal for high-performance applications.
- Naturally Dyed: The S-Wave trainers incorporate BioCir® Flex dyed with natural cinnamon, highlighting its non-toxic, plant-based properties.
Stella McCartney shared her excitement: “My shoe designer came up to me and said, ‘smell the sole.’ It’s made of cinnamon waste. It smells of cinnamon! And it’s basically 100% plant-based, recyclable, and biodegradable textile. It’s a closed-loop production, so it ensures completely zero waste,” she said in an interview with Vogue.
David Roubach, Founder and CEO of Balena Science, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “This collaboration represents more than just a partnership. It’s a shared commitment to shaping a future where materials are truly circular, sustainable, and high-performance. Seeing BioCir® Flex brought to life in a Stella McCartney design is a dream come true. We’re proud to help push the industry forward together.”
This collaboration underscores the potential of advanced biobased materials to revolutionize fashion, reduce environmental impact, and promote a circular economy. It marks a significant step toward sustainable, high-performance design that benefits both the planet and consumers.
