Finalists Design Innovation in Plastics 2024 announced

The quality of the entries submitted by this year’s Design Innovation in Plastics competition finalists – six in total – were described by judges as being “exceptional”.

Chairman of the DIP Judging Panel, Richard Brown, also praised the sheer range and creativity of ideas, which he said made the task of selecting six finalists from a vast number of entries particularly challenging.

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.

This year students were asked 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. Recyclability and sustainability were high on the list of judging criteria.

“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,” said Brown.

As part of their prize, all finalists have been invited to attend a two-day plastics processing training course at the UK headquarters of injection moulding machine manufacturer Sumitomo (SHI) Demag. The DIP judges have also provided each finalist with feedback and areas for improvement, so they can refine their products before 24 May.

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 shortlisted students 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 for trees to protect them from overgrazing.
• 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.

Source: sustainableplastics.com