Dutch company Human Material Loop is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to sustainable textiles by utilizing an unexpected waste source: human hair. Founder and CEO Zsofia Kollar, initially drawn to human hair from a cultural and sociological perspective, recognized the unique properties of hair and the pressing issue of excessive waste generated.
Collaborating with hairdressers, Human Material Loop collects hair cuttings to process them into yarns, textiles, and even garments. Kollar’s mission is rooted in finding sustainable ways to repurpose hair waste. The company’s innovation aims to create a zero-carbon wool alternative that requires no land or water use.
While human hair mats have been used for various applications, Kollar focused on the textile industry due to its environmental impact. She emphasizes that using human hair as a textile fiber eliminates one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the industry – the cultivation of raw materials like cotton or farming of sheep for wool.
Not only does waste hair not degrade soil or require pesticides, but it also avoids water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, human hair possesses desirable properties such as flexibility, high tensile strength, thermal insulation, and skin-friendly attributes.
Human Material Loop has invested in developing technology to process hair seamlessly into standard machinery for yarn and textile production. The company has successfully created a staple fibre yarn and is in the process of developing various textiles. Notably, it has produced complete garments, including a red sweater-like dress in collaboration with Henkel, owner of the Schwartzkopf haircare brand.
Kollar acknowledges that people’s initial discomfort with the concept dissipates when they see the finished products, emphasizing the material’s ordinary appearance and the power of firsthand experience in reshaping perceptions.
Looking ahead, Human Material Loop plans to target the architecture and interiors products market, leveraging hair’s moisture resistance, antibacterial properties, and acoustic and thermal attributes. The company has a commercial pilot scheduled for 2024 and aims to establish a comprehensive fabric library for brands and designers.
