In an industry-first partnership, Balena Science, a leader in material innovation, and Portuguese fashion brand Lemon Jelly have unveiled the NYSSA bag, a groundbreaking sustainable handbag crafted from Balena’s proprietary BioCir® Flex material. This collaboration blends cutting-edge biopolymer science with Lemon Jelly’s dedication to eco-conscious design, setting a new standard for sustainable fashion.
The NYSSA bag, available in deep black and amber yellow, boasts a sleek matte finish and minimalist lines, designed to appeal to the style-conscious while championing environmental responsibility. Its unique composition makes it both durable and fully circular—industrial composting or recycling at the end of its lifecycle ensures it leaves no trace.
David Roubach, founder and CEO of Balena Science, shared the vision behind the partnership: “With the NYSSA bag, we’re introducing BioCir® Flex as a material that not only supports circularity but is also built to be functional and durable for everyday use. This isn’t just about creating a product that’s compostable or recyclable; it’s about bringing biomaterial innovation into the world of luxury and high-performance products.”
Lemon Jelly’s CEO, José Pinto, echoed these sentiments: “At Lemon Jelly, we believe that innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand. The NYSSA bag is a bold step toward a greener future, and taking this step only made sense with a partner like Balena, who shares our values.”
The NYSSA bag represents Balena Science’s first commercial product launch, introducing its BioCir® Flex material to the global market. BioCir® Flex, derived from renewable feedstocks such as castor beans and polysaccharides, is a biobased, compostable, and recyclable material designed to mimic the flexibility and durability of rubber or TPU.
“This material delivers high-performance flexibility while ensuring a fully circular lifecycle,” explained Roubach. “It’s as durable as it is sustainable, opening up endless possibilities for industries beyond fashion.”
Lemon Jelly’s expertise in creating sustainable, weatherproof footwear aligns seamlessly with Balena’s material science innovation. Known for using recycled materials and adhering to stringent European manufacturing standards, Lemon Jelly has carved a niche for itself in responsible fashion.
The NYSSA bag combines utility and elegance, making it a standout accessory for conscious consumers. Its durability ensures it withstands the rigours of daily use, while its end-of-life plan highlights the collaboration’s commitment to circularity. Customers can return their NYSSA bags to Lemon Jelly for recycling or have them processed through Balena’s network of industrial composting facilities.
“Each curve of the bag reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility,” said Roubach. “It’s more than a product; it’s a glimpse into the future of fashion—a future where materials are designed to be fully circular and functional.”
The partnership marks a significant milestone in Balena’s journey to transform the fashion industry through sustainable materials. Having already collaborated with brands like Vivobarefoot and Zulu Kuki, Balena has established itself as a pioneer in creating versatile, biobased materials that meet high-performance demands “The NYSSA bag is a symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets responsibility,” said Pinto. “This collaboration inspires not just the fashion industry but all sectors to rethink their materials and production processes.”
As the global fashion market increasingly embraces sustainability, products like the NYSSA bag demonstrate that eco-friendly design need not compromise quality or style. The partnership also underlines the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving meaningful change.
The NYSSA bag will be available for purchase exclusively online starting 21 November, marking its debut as a limited-edition release. This launch signals a significant step in integrating Balena’s materials into the commercial sphere and showcases the potential of circular design at scale. “Together with Lemon Jelly, we’ve created a product that’s as resilient as it is responsible,” said Roubach. “The NYSSA bag is not just a fashion statement; it’s a movement—a sustainable symbol for those who believe that fashion can leave no trace.”
As industries across the board strive to align with global sustainability goals, the NYSSA bag serves as a shining example of how innovative materials can redefine not only products but also the way we think about consumption and waste. With this collaboration, Balena and Lemon Jelly are paving the way for a more sustainable, stylish future.
