Israeli material science startup Balena, whose compostable, biodegradable thermoplastic BioCir is the world’s first fully compostable and biodegradable flexible material for fashion items such as shoes, won a Green Product Award in the fashion category from the Green Future Club at a ceremony in Berlin.

The international award program, now in its 10th year, recognizes products and services in sustainability, innovation and design. Participants were selected from 40 countries and across 1,300 entries working toward shaping a more sustainable future.

Founded in 2020 with offices in Tel Aviv and Milan, Balena’s business model is based on partnerships with consumer goods companies looking to create fully compostable products using Balena’s materials.

Balena has also introduced a fully circular system – BioCycling – that facilitates the disposal and complete biodegradation of BioCir products in an industrial compost environment.

Yael Joyce Vantu, Balena’s procurement and design strategy adviser, was previously a footwear designer for Roberto Cavalli and was recently picked as one of Vogue talent’s 200 emerging designers.

“We’re honored to be recognized as a leader in the field of sustainability in the fashion industry by the Green Product Award,” said David Roubach, founder & CEO of Balena.

“We’re helping foster a truly circular economy with responsible end-of-life solutions for consumer products and this award recognizes our work creating sustainable plastic alternatives for fashion. We hope our BioCir material shows the world that there is a real alternative: Fashion can be fabulous, functional, and Earth-friendly.”