Our six finalists for 2024 have been announced for this year’s Design Innovation in Plastics competition, with judges praising the “exceptional” quality of this year’s entries.
This year students were invited to design independently powered products made primarily of plastics, capable of being used off-grid and targeted at either the domestic or sports and leisure markets.
Chairman of the DIP Judging Panel, Richard Brown, praised the sheer range and creativity of ideas as well as the quality of the products, which he said made the task of selecting six finalists from a vast number of entries particularly challenging.
“The final six have interpreted the brief in innovative ways, made good use of materials and demonstrated that they have researched their subject thoroughly in order to create their solution. We are very much looking forward to seeing them at the final judging session in London on May 24.”
As part of their prize, all finalists have been invited to attend a two-day plastics processing training course at the UK headquarters of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, a world-leading manufacturer of injection moulding machines. The DIP judges have also provided each finalist with feedback and areas for improvement, so they can refine their products before May 24.
During the final judging, the products will be carefully evaluated and the results will be announced at the prize-giving ceremony on July 05, in London.
The six students who have made the final are:
Gargi Agrawalla, Loughborough University: Ear Boost, a product for simultaneously dehumidifying and charging cochlear implants.
Brandon Hopkins, London South Bank University: Saltbuoy, a salt-water powered data buoy
Jake Lee, Glasgow School of Art: SkinTemp, a core temperature sensor to keep people safe in cold water
Jem Mitchell, Glasgow School of Art: Sentree, a sonic deterrent which prevents trees from being overgrazed.
Isabel Payne, Glasgow School of Art: SafiCase, a self-powered case for sterilising a menstrual cup with minimal water
Joe Shade, De Montfort University: Beehive, a smart beehive for monitoring and providing information about the wellbeing of the bees.
Design Innovation in Plastics is the longest running competition of its kind for university students in Europe. It is headline sponsored by Covestro, the global polymer materials manufacturer, The Worshipful Company of Horners, The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and supported by leading organisations in the fields of product design and injection moulding.
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Notes to editors
1. Established in 1985, Design Innovation in Plastics is the longest running student plastics design award in Europe. For more information visit www.designinnovationplastics.org
2. The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) is a major UK engineering institution and is the professional body for the advancement of materials, minerals and mining to governments, industry, academia, the public and the professions. For more information visit www.iom3.org
3. The Worshipful Company of Horners is one of the oldest livery
companies in the City of London and was formed to regulate the horn-working trade. In 1943 it adopted its modern equivalent, the plastics industry. For more information visit www.horners.org.uk
Headline industry sponsor – Covestro
About Covestro:
Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, cosmetics and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.
The company is committed to becoming fully circular and is striving to become climate neutral by 2035 (scope 1 and 2). Covestro generated sales of EUR 15.9 billion in fiscal 2021. At the end of 2021, the company had 50 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,900 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).
Other competition sponsors:
· Brightworks: an award-winning UK product design and development consultancy dedicated to helping other companies develop the best products for their customers, their markets and their brands
Innovate Product Design: specialises in helping individuals to protect, develop and commercialise their new product ideas and inventions
PDD: provides integrated design and innovation skills, working with organisations worldwide to develop novel products, services and business processes that drive revenues and create competitive advantage
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag – a world leading manufacturer of injection moulding machines
Media partners: British Plastics and Rubber, Materials World, Mould Technology