HAIRCYCLE: a pilot study to explore and test regenerative, local, bio-based and circular models for human hair waste

HAIRCYCLE：一项试点研究，旨在探索和测试人类毛发废物的再生、局部、生物基和循环模型

• 批准号: AH/Z50550X/1
• 负责人: Rosie Hornbuckle
• 金额: $ 13.04万
• 依托单位: University of the Arts London
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Research Grant
• 财政年份: 2024
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2024 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=AH%2FZ50550X%2F1
• 关键词: HAIRCYCLE; pilot; study; explore; test

Working with the London Borough of Newham (LBN) in East London, this project will develop and test new systemic methods and models for the collection, recycling and regeneration of human hair waste (HHW) from local hairdressers/barbershops to support the green transition in a local context. The project considers the local needs of hairdressing practices alongside the Council's Reduction and Recycling Plan, to combat waste whilst generating multifaceted value for people and planet to thrive within their local, circular bioeconomy. Context The rapid increase in production of unsustainable, non-renewable materials driven by extractive systems, has led to the current climate and humanitarian crisis, threatening biodiversity globally. The UK generates around 6.8 million kilograms of HHW which currently chokes drains and fills landfill sites, releasing harmful greenhouse gases. This is despite hair's valuable properties: lightweight, compostable (rich in nitrogen) and high in tensile strength. Current research shows it has the potential to be used in a range of different applications including textiles, bioplastics, fertiliser and building materials. However, there is currently no equitable system in place for collection, recycling and regeneration of human hair. Therefore, human hair represents a resource opportunity that is currently being missed.The majority of human hair in the UK passes through a well-established system: the hairdressing industry. Found on every high street, hairdressers employ over 281,000 people. Yet, hairdressing is one of the lowest paid jobs, especially in deprived areas. Nevertheless, hairdressers are social places, embodying a sense of familiarity and belonging, whist supporting well-being and identity. As an abundant bio-based resource, HHW has the potential to generate positive socio-economic and environmental value for local communities including businesses and residents. Through using participatory, co-design and placemaking approaches, this project aims to bring together local stakeholders (council officers, hairdressers, residents and creatives) to explore the role of hairdressers and barbers within a local circular bioeconomy for HHW.

该项目将与东伦敦的纽汉伦敦自治市（LBN）合作，开发和测试新的系统方法和模型，用于收集、回收和再生当地理发店/理发店的人类头发废物（HHW），以支持当地的绿色过渡。该项目考虑了当地对美发实践的需求以及理事会的减少和回收计划，以打击浪费，同时为人类和地球创造多方面的价值，使其在当地的循环生物经济中蓬勃发展。在采掘系统的推动下，不可持续、不可再生材料的生产迅速增加，导致了目前的气候和人道主义危机，威胁到全球的生物多样性。英国产生了大约680万公斤的HHW，目前这些HHW堵塞了排水沟并填充了垃圾填埋场，释放出有害的温室气体。尽管头发具有重量轻、可堆肥（富含氮）和高拉伸强度的宝贵特性，但这一点仍然存在。目前的研究表明，它有可能用于一系列不同的应用，包括纺织品，生物塑料，肥料和建筑材料。然而，目前还没有一个公平的系统来收集、回收和再生人类头发。因此，人类头发代表了一个资源的机会，目前正在错过。在英国，大多数人的头发通过一个完善的系统：美发行业。在每一条商业街上，理发师雇佣了超过281，000人。然而，美发是收入最低的工作之一，特别是在贫困地区。然而，理发店是一个社交场所，体现了一种熟悉感和归属感，同时支持幸福和身份。作为一种丰富的生物资源，HHW有潜力为当地社区（包括企业和居民）产生积极的社会经济和环境价值。通过使用参与式、共同设计和场所营造方法，该项目旨在将当地利益相关者（理事会官员、理发师、居民和创意人员）聚集在一起，探讨理发师和理发师在HHW当地循环生物经济中的作用。