Balena has partnered with visionary designer Zulu Kuki to merge the worlds of footwear design and technology, innovation and sustainability, setting a new benchmark in the fashion industry. With the debut of their latest creation utilizing BioCir®flex3D, this collaboration is pushing the limits of what’s possible, blending cutting-edge 3D printing with material innovation.
At the heart of this collaboration is BioCir®flex3D, Balena’s material celebrated for its outstanding performance and biodegradability. With Zulu Kuki’s creative genius, they’ve crafted a 3D-printed shoe that defies conventional aesthetics, inspired by the sleek lines of automotive culture. The shoe is more than just a visual masterpiece—it’s a modular, customizable marvel with interchangeable soles and socks, allowing wearers to personalize their footwear like never before.
BioCir®flex3D is a biobased, flexible, and durable 3D-printing material that delivers high performance while offering the environmental benefits of biodegradability. Comparable in flexibility to TPU, it ensures the creation of reliable, long-lasting 3D-printed products. This material stands out for its dual end-of-life management: it can be composted industrially without toxic residues or recycled for reuse in new production cycles.
Zulu Kuki’s 3D-printed shoe boldly departs from traditional aesthetics. Moving away from the conventional clog, Kuki emphasizes modularity and customization, allowing the shoe to adapt to different needs and styles. Inspired by 70s automotive culture, especially the sleek lines of racing cars like
This partnership doesn’t just create a product; it reshapes the future of design. By uniting state-of-the-art technology with sustainable materials, Zulu Kuki and Balena are driving the industry forward, proving that design, innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
