SYLKERA BIO-COMPOSITE
 

Working with the same principles as carbon fibre, Sylkera combines pine rosin – a local, mouldable material with a glossy texture and natural antibacterial properties – with short strands of human hair, which form an internal lattice  to create a strong and impact resistant material. 
Since both can be harvested renewably, and are biodegradable Sylkera is an bio-composite with exceptional sustainability credentials. 

To demonstrate the materials potential and to reference its origins, a series of 2D tiles have been made, as well as a soap dish. 

Developed in collaboration with Studio Sanne Visser & Hair Cycle. Research funded by University of the Arts London (UAL).

Pine Rosin, Bees Wax, Hair, 2025.