Design Innovation in Plastics links with global machining pioneer

March 27, 2026

                                                               Press release

A global pioneer in factory automation and computer-controlled machine tools, together with a leading training supplier to the UK Polymer industry, have linked up with Design Innovation in Plastics (DIP) this year to provide a training course specifically for the competition’s 2026 finalists.

FANUC UK and Sierra 57 Consult will be introducing the students to injection moulding and other manufacturing methods, giving them the opportunity to have hands-on experience of high-tech processing.

The 2026 finalists will be offered the sought-after tailored course at FANUC UK’s training academy in Coventry, with the actual training to be delivered by Sierra 57 Consult.

Upon passing the course each student will receive a Continuous Professional Development Certificate (CPD), endorsed by the Institute of Materials Minerals and Mining (IOM3), which will be presented to them at the DIP Award Ceremony in June. The knowledge and qualifications gained by the students will help them further develop their products in readiness for the final judging session which takes place in London on May 08. 

DIP, the longest running plastics competition of its kind in Europe, challenges university graduates all over the UK and Ireland to design a new product made primarily from plastics, showing evidence of a clear understanding of the principles of sustainability within their designs. Injection moulding is frequently a key part of the development of their products along with knowledge of different plastics and related materials.

Chairman of DIP, Martin Sixsmith, said: “FANUC UK’s four-day training course will give our undergraduate finalists a real step up into the world of plastics processing and production.  We’ve always tried to offer our finalists genuine help and experience as they make their way into the world of design, so we are delighted to have FANUC UK and Sierra 57 Consult on board to help us do this.”

FANUC UK’s Vice Managing Director, Andy Armstrong, said: "By working with Sierra 57 Consult, we’re able to deliver tailored, industry-relevant training for the plastics sector.  It’s excellent to support an initiative like Design Innovation in Plastics, which plays such an important role in nurturing the next generation of designers and engineers.  We’re proud to help equip these finalists with practical skills and insights that will support their future careers.”

DIP’s 2026 competition is currently going through preliminary judging, with entries being examined closely by its panel of industry judges, who will whittle them down to a final six, to be announced shortly.  The industry training course will take place over four days during April and the students will travel to London on May 8 for final judging.  The award ceremony takes place on June 12.

-Ends-

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, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself. 

The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 12.9 billion in fiscal year 2025. At the end of 2025, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,600 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

• FANUC UK: a global pioneer in in factory automation and technology leader in computer numeric control machining, robotics and ROBOMACHINE machine tools.

• 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

• Media partners: British Plastics and Rubber, Materials World, Mould Technology