Flexible plastic alternatives designed for high-performance tailored applications
BioCir® is a family of new-generation materials easing the adoption of circularity strategies in product design.
Balena Science is addressing a persistent gap in the plastic alternatives space: despite the growing range of options available today, few solutions match the versatility and performance of conventional plastics, and PLA — currently the most widely used alternative — often suffers from very low impact resistance, which limits its applications. To close this gap, the company develops bio-based, high-performance materials designed for industrial-scale use and built around circularity pillars.
Gallery
Open full width
Open full width
BioCir® – Highlights:
BioCir®: a new family of bio-based Materials
Recently, the startup has in fact developed BioCir®, a family of bio-based materials available in different formats and designed to biodegrade in soil under controlled conditions. Made from renewable feedstocks such as castor beans, natural oils, and polysaccharides, BioCir® grades contain up to 50-100% bio-based content while delivering performance comparable to conventional plastics, with safer formulations and a controlled, verifiable end-of-life pathway.
From footwear to furniture: BioCir® in action
Designed for real-world performance, this family of materials includes BioCir® Flex, BioCir® Flex3D, BioCir® X, and BioCir® Foam. Compatible with manufacturing technologies such as injection molding, 3D printing, and extrusion, these compounds support a wide range of applications – from lifestyle products and accessories to footwear and furniture – enabling scalable adoption across different product categories.
Some examples include the one-of-a-kind high-performance flexible frisbee made with BioCir® X, engineered for durability from bacterially fermented bioplastic and designed to break down across compost, soil, and marine environments without leaving any trace behind.
Flexibility for designers: custom solutions and sourcing
While some projects can be carried out through close collaboration with Balena Science’s material team, designers also have the flexibility to independently source BioCir® materials and process them through their own manufacturing partners.
In addition to providing material support throughout the development, tailored solutions are also available, including custom colors based on specific project requirements. Colors are achieved using industry-standard masterbatches and pigments that are compatible with the selected manufacturing technology.
A controlled end-of-life: from product back to soil
To ensure proper end-of-life treatment, the company has implemented a take-back program and partnered with a global network of industrial composting facilities. There, BioCir® products can safely break down and return to the soil: first, microorganisms, heat, oxygen, and moisture reduce the material into smaller fragments, then, they decompose into carbon dioxide, water, and naturally occurring minerals that support new plant growth.
About the author
Materially helps companies in the development and promotion of sustainable innovation starting from materials. We work with a focus on circular economy and materials innovation through a design thinking approach. Our team’s expertise and our network rely on 20+ years of international projects and experiences.
WebsiteInstagramLinkedin
