A compostable cycle helmet for fast growing kids

Sometimes it can feel like kids outgrow their stuff quicker than it can be replaced. Now a group of designers from Italy aim to address the problem with a cycle helmet that can be composted.

The helmet is made from naturally occurring materials including mycelium and straw, reports inhabitat

Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus. Composed mainly of polymers such as cellulose and proteins, the fibrous material looks like a mass of spider web in its natural state. However, due to its unique structure and composition mycelium-based materials are finding application in many areas including packaging, acoustic panels, building materials and even coffins.

The compostable design aims to reduce the reliance on plastic in a conventional cycle helmet, which is little more than polystyrene preserved by a plastic shell

{{cta-cycling}}

It's not the first time we've seen an attempt at environmentally friendly protective headgear. Swedish designers replaced polystyrene with a renewable and biodegradable wood-based material called Cellufoam. The outer layer of the cycle helmet is a wood veneer, the straps are fabricated from strengthened paper, and protective foam element is made from cellulose fibres.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Thirty years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance, breakdown cover and home insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

{{cta-cycling}}