Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing insulating materials by first forming a foam product involving beating a mixture containing 5 to 15 parts by volume of water and 1 part by volume, of a keratin hydrolysate. To the foam thus prepared is added 1 to 80 parts by volume of a urea formaldehyde resin in a resol state and a setting agent. The mixture is then blended followed by the addition thereto of an inorganic and/or organic filler until the mixture assumes the consistency of a plastic mass. The plastic mass is then kneaded, poured into a mold, and then allowed to set and ripen.