Lightweight bike helmet made of paper pulp launched

The bicycle industry is sometimes criticised for failing to produce ‘green’ product, but the Paper Pulp Helmet is an all singing-all dancing ecologically sound cycle accessory.

According to the designers, the helmet is low cost, recyclable and manufactured from waste newspapers that circulate the London transport network. The newspapers are collected and blended with water to create a pulp. No bleaching or adhesive is added although an organic and food safe additive is combined that ensures the helmets water resistance for up to six hours of rain. Natural pigments to communicate helmet size are also added.

Naturally, the Paper Pulp Helmets are intended for short periods of use, after which they can be disposed of. The helmet and strap are both fully recyclable and can be re-pulped into a new helmet without any degradation of the material.

Tom Gottelier, one of the three designers behind the project (together with Bobby Petersen and Edward Thomas) told BikeBiz that while the helmets are at proof of concept stage, they’ve already had discussions with city councils, bike hire schemes and Transport for London.

However, they’ve not yet found the right backer and are seeking one – everything is in place for the second prototypes, Gottelier said, and an industrial partner is in place. Certification is next on the agenda for the pulp helmets.

There’s more on the official site here: www.paperpulphelmet.com