Two of the six finalists for the 2021 Design Innovation in Plastics prize, which have just been announced, are currently studying Product Design Engineering at The Glasgow School of Art/Glasgow University .
This year’s brief challenged the students to come up with a brand new product made primarily from plastics which would commonly be used in the outdoor environment.
Euan Gibson-Smith has been shortlisted for ReCreate: a monthly educational service enabling children aged 7-11 to convert plastic waste into recyclable outdoor products. Meanwhile, Finlay McEwan has been recognized for Equipoise: a reusable plastic gas canister for outdoor cooking, with a stand designed for stability on rough terrain.
Euan and Finlay follow in the footsteps of GSA PDE graduates Michael Tougher, who scooped the award in 2014, and Ellen Britton, who triumphed three years later.
Announcing the six finalist from almost 300 entries chairman of judges, Richard Brown, said the quality of work and thought which had gone into the entries presented by the finalists reflected not just their own intelligent research, but the quality of their universities and tutors.
“What is clear, is that a good number of entries – our finalists in particular – have grasped the need for sustainable products in the natural world and also researched the damage the human race is doing to the environment, and it is probable the current pandemic has increased that awareness. Our final six have understood the brief, which emphasised sustainability, quality and recyclability, and we are looking forward to see how they progress their designs”
The final judging will take place via video conferencing on 28 May 2021 with the winners announced in early July. The winner will be invited to Germany to visit headline industry sponsor, the leading polymer manufacturer, Covestro, when coronavirus conditions permit. In addition, the winner and the remaining five finalists will each receive a short industry placement with one of the competition sponsors: [Brightworks, Innovate Product Design, PDD and RJG Technologies] along with cash prizes.
Ends
Notes to Editors
- Established in 1985, Design Innovation in Plastics is the longest running student plastics design award in Europe.
- DIP, is supported by the Institute of Materials Minerals and Mining, and the Worshipful Company of Horners, with headline sponsored by Covestro,
- 2021 DIP Chairman: Martin Sixsmith