The Plastics Industry Awards, known as the Oscars of the UK plastic industry handed out at a gala event held at the London Hilton on Friday 14th October, 2011. Creators of a potentially life-saving piece of rock climbing equipment and a grow box which enables dwellers of high rise flats to cultivate their own vegetables were among the winners.These prestigious awards of UK plastic industry were granted for the eleventh time. Scope of the contest includes current developments in materials usage, product design and innovative manufacturing as well as identifying excellence in training and environmental performance. Audience of the awards ceremony was almost 800 plastic professionals and their guests.
The competition was hard. Steve Crowhurst, organiser, said: “We received a really high standard of entries from companies and individuals whose expertise and vision have helped to develop lightweight and durable products which solve consumer, medical and industrial problems. It was a really uplifting evening which celebrated the versatility of polymers and the innovation driving our industry forward. The winners are to be congratulated on their achievements.”
Winners of the Plastics Industry Awards 2011
Consumer Product Design of the Year
Won by John Ewans Design for designing a washable, hygienic adjustable rowing shoe, now sold throughout the world and worn by the UK National Rowing squad.
Industrial Product Design
Won by FSW Design for TroBord, a lightweight blow-moulded ballast board developed for the rail industry.
Agentdraw Young Designer of the Year
Won by Barty Rowland-Orme who is studying product design at Brighton University. Barty developed ‘Urban Greens’, a hydroponic growing aid which allows inner city dwellers to successfully grow their own vegetables over balconies or outside windows.
Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Won by Faith Kelly, Engineering Advance Apprentice at Mann+Hummel, who has been entrusted with considerable responsibility, liaising directly with large OEMs in the automotive sector.
