In the Netherlands, startup Human Material Loop is turning human hair into textiles and has already made prototype coats, sweaters, and blazers that feel similar to wool.
The company tells CNN that 72 million kilograms of human hair waste ends up in European landfills annually. This is the equivalent of seven Eiffel Towers.
“It’s a big abundant waste stream that currently has no scalable solution,” said co-founder Zsofia Kollar. In landfills, this salon waste decomposes and releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
Kollar told the news outlet she is not oblivious to the fact that people consider hair unsanitary, but hopes over time—and as climate concerns ramp up—the idea could “grow” on people.