Preliminary Plant design and Economic Analysis for Conversion of Human Hair Waste to Organic Fertiliser

The disposal of human hair waste is becoming a global nuisance, leading to a range of environmental problems. One solution to this challenge is to convert this human hair waste to an organic amino acid-based fertilizer after pre-processing. This paper provides a preliminary plant design for production of one tonne of organic amino acid-based fertilizer from human hair waste, based on existing experimental lab-scale methodologies. The raw materials include waste human hair, potassium hydroxide (KOH), water and phosphoric acid (H ₃ PO ₄ ). The plant design is based on optimal production conditions, using specialised equipment with detailed equipment sizing to ensure product quality and efficiency. Results from an economic analysis suggest an approximate total generated revenue of PKR 300 million, with an annual production cost of PKR 180 million. An annual profit of PKR 90 million is expected after tax deductions, with a payback period of 3.5 months. Thus, the plant is economically and technologically feasible while being sustainable and environmentally friendly.