#FunFact: Gelatin Fiber Yarn - Turning Slaughterhouse Waste into Wool

Wool made from gelatin?
It might sound strange—but it's a real Fun Fact from the world of textile science and a promising step toward sustainability.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to turn gelatin, a byproduct of meat processing, into a yarn with wool-like properties.
🔬 How Gelatin Yarn Is Made
Gelatin is derived from collagen, found in animal skin, bones, and tendons—materials usually discarded in slaughterhouses.
A team led by Swiss researcher Philipp Stössel found a way to dissolve and spin gelatin into fine fibers, which could then be twisted into usable yarn.
➡️ Fun Fact: The first prototypes of the gelatin yarn were not only soft and flexible—they could actually be knitted and crocheted!
To improve durability, the yarn was treated with lanolin and epoxy resin, making it more resistant to moisture.
🌱 Circular Crafting in Action
This project is a great example of circular crafting in real life:
✔️ Bio-based
✔️ Waste-reducing
✔️ Biodegradable
It shows how traditional craft values and modern science can join forces to rethink textile production—with zero new resources required.
🐄 My Takeaway: 🧶+🍖= ♻️ WOW!
I find it incredibly inspiring how much innovation can come from materials we usually throw away.
While gelatin yarn might not yet be ready for everyday fashion, it's a strong reminder that sustainability starts with creativity—one stitch at a time.
📣 Would you try a yarn like this—out of curiosity, eco-consciousness, or just because it's a fun fact worth exploring?
Let me know—I'd love to hear your take!
#funfact #gelatinyarn #circularcrafting #strickenimtrend #sustainablefiber
Innovation!
Yours,
Kathrin ☀️🧶
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