In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, HOL Group are committed to offering its products with a heightened responsibility to working with sustainable materials.

Sustainability – the options
New technologies are now offering a fresh approach to mannequin manufacturing by becoming more responsible and offering various sustainable options.
Paper Paste
These mannequins are produced from 100% recycled paper paste – one of the most ecological options. Paper and card are collected from certified waste recovering plants before its crushed to make the pulp. The base mix is completely recyclable and biodegradable, as it does not contain any adhesives or toxic substances. A vacuum system is used to inject the moulds to give shape and definition.
Colour is added in the production process using vegetable dyes to eliminate toxic paints.
Fittings are made from 100% recyclable steel, so following the separation process, all elements can be re purposed or disposed of responsibly.
Plastic PU
Polyurethane (PU) is one of the most versatile plastic materials. Ranging from flexible foam to solid materials, its chemistry allows PU to be adapted into specific shapes – ideal in the production of mannequins.
Advantages include:
• High load bearing capacity.
• Flexibility.
• Abrasion and impact resistant.
• Resistance to water, oil and grease.
• Short production lead times.
Like other plastics PU can be recycled in various ways to remove it from the waste system – making it highly sustainable if disposed of in a responsible way.
PU is recycled in two primary ways;
• Mechanical recycling – the material is returned to the polymer form.
• Chemical recycling – the material is returned to the various chemical constituents.
Colour can also be added to the material during production.



Repurposing Fibreglass
HOL are currently working to launch a new service to repurpose the fibreglass from existing mannequins – avoiding them reaching landfill.
Old mannequins will be collected from customers and ground down into a sand like material to be used in cement. This process avoids the need for using virgin sand in the production of cement and other materials in the construction industry.
Other components (metal or plastic) will be removed in our UK processing site and recycled.
Fibreglass has one of the lowest carbon footprints during manufacture, so the ability to repurpose it is a huge step forward.
HOL aims for this service to available to customers regardless of the mannequin’s origin.
Reconditioning
As an alternative to recycling, HOL can also offer a complete renovation service. Mannequins can have their life extended by repairing cracks, damages, respraying and remodelling.
Our UK based experts can update tired forms to look new again. This service helps eliminate irresponsible disposal of mannequins and is available to all mannequins irrespective of its origin.
Visit our designated Sustainable site for more information.
