Braeön (pronounced like ‘brawn’) is, according to its creators, the world’s strongest and most adaptable material. The adventure-proof tape is as strong as steel, as flexible as rope, and as malleable as putty. While the tape itself is as thin as paper, a single layer can hold over 2,000 pounds (907.2 kilograms) of tensile force. Edit 20 December 2023: the material is now called Forj. 

The material is a composite material, made from an ultra-high strength thermoplastic fibre with a low temperature activated thermoplastic polymermatrix. As a fully wetted (complete bonding between the fibre and the matrix material) composite material, the final product is able to take advantage of the characteristics of each of the individual components: the strength of the fibre and the low temperature formability of the matrix polymer.

When heated to a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), the material can be moulded into any shape. The plastic tape’s molecules decouple when heated, rendering it soft and flexible. Once it cools down, it holds its shape. It can also be reused, when it is heated again to the right temperature. Heating can by any means, like warm water, a blow dryer, an oven, etc., but at a temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121.1 degrees Celsius) or exposed to an open flame for too long, Braeön can become flammable.

If layers are added, the material becomes even stronger. You can use it for repairing a broken chain link, to create a harness, or to tow objects. Its flexibility allows Braeön to adapt to any necessary shape, and its malleable characteristics enable Braeön to create custom grips, handles, and rivets.

While the material is incredibly strong, it is also very light. 100 feet (30.5 meters) weighs less than 1 pound (0.5 kilograms).

Currently, the material only comes in white, though on the Kickstarter page (which ended several days ago with almost 5 times their original goal), it says that they plan on making more colors available in the future. In the meantime, you can paint Braeön in the colour that fits your need.

Photos via Designboom