The helmets are not solely composed of vegetative matter, although they do contain the remnants of carrots. A research group has used nanofibers created from carrot waste, obtained via a factory producing carrot juice, to reinforce synthetic parts inside the helmet.
The idea is to fiber-toughened synthetic material inside the helmet structure rather than glass fibers. The idea came from Cellucomp Ltd., who requested an analysis by the Empa group. Empa looked at the relative costs of production and the environmental impact of using organic fibers rather than glass.
The research note only determined whether carrot nanofibers are suitable; it also established that the method of production was reproducible, and that industrial scale-up was possible.
The use of carrot waste fibers was found to be cost-effective and to have a low environmental impact. The environmental impact consisted of a survey, using methodology called “multi-perspective application selection.” This process checked that only carrot waste be used (rather than using fresh carrots; to be environmentally-friendly it was important that a waste product was utilized). The assessment also checked that the enzyme used to peel off the nanofibers from the carrot husks could be deactivated and was of a low impact to the environment in terms of waste disposal.
The research has also shown that carrot nanofibers can also be used to reinforce the walls of motorhomes. Other applications using organic waste fibers are being considered. These include:
Protective equipment and devices for recreational sport, such as surfboards;
Special vehicles, including wall reinforcement;
Furniture, like dining tables;
Luxury consumer goods, such as speaker boxes;
Industrial manufacturing, such as protection mats.
It seems there is a future in recycled vegetative matter.
