The Paper Pulp Helmet is a recyclable helmet that is meant to keep cyclists who use bike-sharing programs safe. As its name suggests, the Paper Pulp Helmet is made using old newspapers left on London's buses and trains. It was created by Tom Gottelier, Bobby Petersen and Ed Thomas, alums of the Royal College of Art. Although its made of paper, the helmet is reportedly safe enough for European safety standards.
The old newspapers are mixed with water to make a pulp and then a chemical additive is thrown in to make them water-resistant for six hours. The helmets are designed to be temporary and their selling price of around $1.50 reflects that. Once the helmets have been used up, the paper can be recycled and used again (even as another Paper Pulp Helmet!). You can check out the video to see the process behind the creation of the helmet.
Newspaper-Based Bike Helmets
The Paper Pulp Helmet is Designed to Make Bike-Sharing Safer
Trend Themes
1. Recyclable Bike Helmets - Creating bike helmets made from recycled materials offers a sustainable solution for bike-sharing programs.
2. Temporary Safety Gear - Designing temporary helmets provides cost-effective options for short-term users of bike-sharing programs.
3. Green Innovation - Using old newspapers to create helmets promotes recycling and reduces waste in the cycling industry.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Manufacturing - The recyclable bike helmet trend opens up opportunities for manufacturers to develop eco-friendly safety gear.
2. Shared Mobility - Bike-sharing programs can explore partnerships with helmet manufacturers to offer affordable, temporary safety gear for users.
3. Environmental Services - Companies specializing in recycling and waste management can collaborate with helmet manufacturers to repurpose materials and promote sustainable practices.