Kerra
Kerra is transforming the future of fashion and performance apparel by engineering keratin-based textiles from waste wool. Their process breaks down wool to the molecular level, isolates the keratin, and reforms it into ultrafine, biodegradable fibers. Keratin proteins are naturally elastic, breathable, and skin-friendly, making them perfect for performance wear. Kerra is developing an entirely new fabric, a fully biodegradable alternative to polyester. Built to integrate seamlessly with existing textile manufacturing infrastructure, their drop-in solution turns agricultural waste into high-value materials, giving rise to new income opportunities for wool producers worldwide.
Kerra addresses two pressing environmental challenges. Every year, more than 92 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills, while synthetic fabrics account for 35% of microplastics polluting the ocean. At the same time, 85% of wool produced globally is discarded due to coarseness, color, or lack of processing infrastructure.
Currently, natural resources like wool are often burned or buried. Kerra transforms this overlooked fiber into a high-performance, sustainable material that creates value for both rural communities and environmentally responsible brands.
Team Members
Alexander Chon (Symbolic Systems Program), Caraiosa O'Farrell (Material Science and Engineering), Jacob Dunlop (Sustainability Science and Practice), Prof. David Myung (PI, Chemical Engineering), Charlotte McCurdy (Co-Advisor, D School)