(Archive) HUMAN MATERIAL LOOP

HUMAN MATERIAL LOOP

Today’s haircut is tomorrow’s fabric: Studio Zsofia Kollar wants to show that we humans are not above the ecosystem, but a part of it. For example, in Europe alone, around 72 million kilograms of human hair end up in waste every year. Why don’t we use that hair, that is largely made up of proteins like keratin, as a useful biomaterial? Zsofia Kollar sees endless potential in this abundant mound of human hair, that is basically the same keratin-fibre as wool. It is non-toxic, strong, lightweight, flexible, oil-absorbent and a good thermal insulator; all qualities that characterise a revolutionary high-quality textile. To prove this, Zsofia Kollar is developing a closed recycling system together with specialist companies, with the goal of combating waste, exploitation, emissions and energy consumption.