Human Material Loop, a company focused on utilizing waste keratin protein fiber to develop high-performance products for the textile industry, is set to take its material innovations to new heights.

The company's focus on utilizing waste keratin protein fiber from hair is an innovative solution to the problem of hair waste. Millions of pounds of hair from salons and barbershops end up in landfills or incinerators all over the world, but Human Material Loop aims to change that by collecting waste hair and treating it to provide thermal protection in extreme environments.

With their prototype jacket and pants filled with waste hair collected from local hair salons, Human Material Loop is ready to prove that their technology can move mountains – or at least protect those who climb them. The company recently took prototype gear created using the company's technology to the Andes and Aconcagua, the highest mountains.