French Recycling Company Turns Salon Hair into Tree Protection and Garden Mulch
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Capillum, a French recycling company, is processing collected human hair into biodegradable mulch and fiber sheets that protect young trees from deer. The company collects hair from salons in parts of France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and sells the mulch to home gardeners. The hair's keratin content provides a natural deterrent to deer and releases nutrients into the soil as it decomposes.
Facts First
- Capillum transforms collected human hair into biodegradable mulch and fiber sheets.
- The products protect young trees by using the scent of human hair to naturally discourage deer.
- The company collects hair from participating salons in parts of France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
- As the hair decomposes, its keratin releases nitrogen and amino acids into the soil.
- Capillum sells its hair mulch to home gardeners.
What Happened
Capillum, a French recycling company, has developed a process to reuse human hair collected from salons. The company accepts hair of any texture, length, color, or dye status from participating salons in parts of France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The collected hair is processed into dense fiber sheets, which are laid around the base of trees to protect them. The company also sells the processed hair as mulch to home gardeners.
Why this Matters to You
If you garden or care about local tree planting efforts, you may have access to a new, biodegradable product that can protect young trees and enrich soil. The mulch could offer a natural alternative to chemical deterrents or plastic tree guards. As the hair decomposes, it releases nitrogen and amino acids into the soil, which might benefit plant growth.
What's Next
Capillum's work appears to be part of a broader global exploration of recycled hair uses. Scientists and environmental groups have previously examined using hair for oil spill cleanup, agricultural mats, and composting projects, and studies have looked at its potential for insulation or textiles. The company itself previously mixed hair with wool to absorb pollutants from water. This suggests that the applications for recycled hair could continue to expand.