# Development of biodegradable Bioloon balloons > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/development-of-biodegradable-bioloon-balloons > Updated: 2026-08-25T05:11:44.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a fully biodegradable balloon called ‘Bioloon’ to address the environmental impact of festive decorations. The material, co-created by PhD researcher Juliana Cumming and entrepreneur Charlotte Melia, combines natural latex with a biodegradable polymer to ensure complete decomposition within nine months in soil, seawater, or distilled water. This innovation aims to mitigate the risks posed to wildlife, particularly marine life and birds. Previous research has identified balloons as a high-risk form of debris, with a mortality risk for birds estimated to be 32 times higher than that of hard plastics. Unlike conventional balloons that utilize sulfur vulcanization and chemical additives that hinder decomposition, the Bioloon is designed to break down completely in soil, seawater, and deionized water while maintaining the ease of inflation found in traditional products. The startup intends to bring the product to market by 2028 and may explore using the material for medical devices, clothing, and gloves. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Imperial College London researchers invent biodegradable Bioloon UK researchers have developed ‘Bioloon’, a biodegradable balloon made from natural rubber that decomposes within nine months to protect wildlife from plastic debris. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imperial-college-london-researchers-invent-biodegradable-bioloon ### 2026-08-21: Bioloon startup develops fully biodegradable balloons Imperial College London researchers have developed Bioloon, a fully biodegradable balloon that decomposes in nine months, offering a solution to the environmental threat posed by traditional latex balloons. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bioloon-develops-biodegradable-material-for-latex-balloons --- Cite as: Development of biodegradable Bioloon balloons. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/development-of-biodegradable-bioloon-balloons