In London, Central Saint Martins graduate Hinna Khan has created a simple electronic device from conductive wool. Dubbed WoolTech, Khan was able to replace petroleum-based materials traditionally used to make wires and circuit boards with wool that was laser-treated to possess conductive pathways. The wool that was not treated with the laser formed natural insulation.
To date, Khan has been able to make a simple torch using the WoolTech material.
She told design publication dezeen she was inspired to experiment with wool by the documentary Clarkson’s Farm, in which Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson mentioned the growing problem of wool waste. “The British wool industry is collapsing,” said Khan. “Coarse-grade fleeces now fetch as little as 60 pence per kilogram and are often discarded or burnt, costing more to shear than returns received.”