Kera-Plast is a stiff, biodegradable and renewable material out of Human Hair.
The project Kera-Plast aims to re-loop humans and nature by questioning the current systems & ethics through materiality. Kera-Plast is introducing Human Hair, currently considered as waste, as a material base highlighti
ng that our elements are part of the renewable natural circle.
A fabrication method for keratin-based fibers was developed, combining traditional textile techniques with thermo – compression molding. Through this process the biopolymer, keratin-based fibers even glue together without any additional binders. Resulting in a stiff material, reminding on plastic due to shiny, water-repellent surface and translucency.
Different aesthetics ranging from organic to structured can be achieved through the application of different textile techniques like dyeing, knitting, weaving or non-woven processes.
Kera-Plast dispalys a variety of possibilities of patterns and 3D surfaces.
The developed method makes it possible to create a material resource out of unused wool or current human hair waste, through multidisciplinary textile thinking.
picture credit:
1-5/ 8-10 Romy Kaiser & Ainhoa Cortez
6-7/11 Daniela Ferro
Textiles, Product Interaction & Technical Innovations, Sustainability, Materialdesign, Sustainable Material
Textile Fabrication, Thermo-compression Molding
wool, keratin based fibers, human hair
