Human material loop

Voorwoord

TEXTILE INNOVATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY BY ZSOFIA KOLLAR

Human Material Loop is a material innovation company developing technologies, materials and products to delive high-performance products for the the textile industry from waste keratin protein fiber (hair) with zero negative impact on the environment.

As a designer, I was always interested in showing different perspectives, and human hair always fascinated me. It was during the pandemic that my research on hair took a deeper turn. When it seemed like the world is collapsing, I started to question my designer identity and the purpose of designing. What is design after all? Design is to create solutions, solutions that are accessible to everyone and have zero negative impacts on the environment.

As my research on hair expanded, I discovered a lot more about the world we live in than just hair. Learning how polluting the textile industry is, how much we exploit our ecosystem, and at the same time discovering our hair is the same keratin protein fiber as wool made me click. Human Material Loop stands for innovation, a globally scalable system where every stakeholder has a direct benefit. Even though the name Human Material Loop is a descriptive name, it stands for a lot more as well. Human refers to kind and caring beings, material represents science and engineering, while loop stands for circularity and the future. As a young designer, I also feel a responsibility, to leave this place better than I found it.

Founded

Human Material Loop was founded with a mission to create a true textile revolution; to show that people are not above, but part of, the ecosystem. Our aim is to raise the standards of bio-based fibers and provide a truly concrete impact in the textile industry. We are driven by the mission to close the gap between humans and nature by delivering innovative materials and products with high added value, realized through nature-based processes and technologies. We refuse to compromise on performance, design, and our planet.

It is no secret that the textile industry is the second largest polluter in today’s world. Our very own hair can be the solution to this pollution. Together we can reduce soil degradation, water pollution, toxic poisoning, and put an end to the microplastic pollution that comes from wearing and washing polyester garments. Currently, western populations see a 77% chance of having microplastics in their blood, but it will soon be a guarantee. Tons of hair waste generated by hair salons is incinerated or landfilled. All the while, hair has been neglected as a valuable biomaterial. It is the same keratin protein fiber as other animal fibers currently being used.

Our bodies are the biggest impact makers on the planet. We need to start rethinking what our bodies produce and how to take advantage of these resources.