BLOOM Materials use algae to make low environmental impact materials for footwear—and now, combined with the Bornewables™ EVA from Borealis, they’re producing shoe sole compounds with an even higher percentage of bio-based content and a lower carbon footprint.
BLOOM Materials’ mission is to move brands and their products towards a restorative and circular economy. They do this by developing low environmental impact, high-performance materials for footwear and other consumer goods.
Their work has long focused on algae, which is fast-growing and doesn’t require arable land. They transform excess algae from harmful blooms into a renewable raw material, which they blend with polymers to create materials that can replace fossil-based content in a variety of products. After years of success with this approach, BLOOM set out to raise the bar for sustainability in their products once again.
BLOOM was looking for ways to further increase the renewable content in their compounds and reduce the carbon footprint. In particular, they wanted a replacement for the fossil-based ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) they were blending with their algae-derived materials.
They needed a solution with sustainability credentials that were measurable, verifiable, and backed by recognized standards. Just as important were security of supply and proven performance in the final application.
Their search led them to the Bornewables™ line of EVA from Borealis—renewable-based EVA polymers that deliver the same material performance as conventional fossil-based alternatives.
These polymers are ISCC PLUS–certified based on a mass balance approach, which ensures full traceability and verification of sustainable content from feedstock to final product.
The feedstock itself is derived entirely from waste and residue streams, such as used cooking oil and residues from vegetable oil processing.
Borealis had supported similar projects in the footwear industry making them a natural fit for what BLOOM wanted to achieve.
Together, BLOOM and Borealis developed a compound using the Bornewables EVA instead of fossil-based EVA. Because the Bornewables are a drop-in alternative, the transition didn’t require any major process changes.
“At BLOOM, we’re always looking for ways to improve the sustainability of our materials. Working with Borealis and incorporating the Bornewables™ EVA fits perfectly with our goal to replace fossil inputs wherever possible, while still meeting the high quality standards our brand partners expect.”
Chuck Mason, BLOOM Sustainable Materials CEO
BLOOM’s process combines algae-based content with polymers—now the Bornewables EVA—to create low-impact materials for footwear:
The new compound combines BLOOM’s algae-based concentrate with Bornewables EVA, a polymer containing 70% bio-based content. As a result, it achieves a total of 84% bio-based content—without sacrificing the performance of the finished parts.
The partners have already developed a prototype shoe and are continuing to work together to improve both sustainability and performance across a broad range of footwear applications—from leisure shoes to safety boots, bathing slippers, and sports shoes.
Each product will include an impact claim backed by a third-party verified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), demonstrating clear and credible progress toward more sustainable footwear solutions.
"Our collaboration with BLOOM is a clear example of how we’re putting our We4Customers strategy into action—working closely with partners to create solutions that meet their specific needs. In this case, the Bornewables™ EVA enables a lower carbon footprint without compromising on processability or performance."
Paulo Cavacas, Borealis Global Head of Marketing Advanced Products
Don’t miss out! Join us at Hall 6, Stand A43 to experience how we are enabling a more circular, sustainable, and high-performing plastics future. From seeing the materials in action to enjoying a conversation over coffee - this is where innovation meets real-world application. Let’s shape what’s next - together. See you in Düsseldorf and book a meeting here!
Borealis and Borouge - Curious, Collaborative, Circular
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