Wright Plastics
Description and aims
The aim of this project was to develop a range of unique baby feeding products with a particular emphasis on resource efficiency. In particular the aim was to develop a range of products that could utilise smart materials in the management of heat for parents who are continually on the go and which could heat baby food and drink. Health and safety prevents restaurant staff from heating baby food and drink on behalf of parents, at best they will provide access to a microwave oven.
About Wright Plastics
Established in 1973 Wright Plastics is a privately owned plastics injection moulding company based in Market Harborough. Although very successful and renowned for producing high quality products, Wrights had identified the need to develop their own range of products so as not to be dependent on trade moulding alone.
How the project is being undertaken
The Wright Plastics baby bottle project was undertaken as part of the RED (Resource Efficient Design) initiative, funded by the east Midland Development Agency and delivered by the De Montfort University (DMU) Design Unit.
The aims of this programme are to:
- To help develop new products where resource efficiency and sustainability are of a high priority
- To work with SME’s and design houses in raising awareness of the importance of RED issues in the conceptual design stages of New Product Development and to provide appropriate training
- To SME’s and design houses aware of current Government legislation relating to resource efficiency
- To develop and provide access to an extensive library of new materials and related manufacturing methods that make for better resource efficiency and sustainability
The Wright Plastics baby milk warmer is one of a number of projects supported by RED within the East Midlands. The DMU Design Unit in conjunction with the consultants 3Di has designed, developed, prototyped and monitored the development of Wright Plastics BagRack through to production.
The baby milk warmer revolves around a unique and highly efficient, patented sodium acetate tri hydrate ‘heating wand’; which when activated will heat 250ml of baby from 10 degrees to about 32 degrees in around 7 minutes.
The main resource efficiency element to this is in the fact that this ‘heating wand’ can be re activated repeatedly by harnessing the heat from a dishwasher or steam steriliser that would have been used anyway.
Impacts and benefits
Wright Plastics are now in able to manufacture a range of unique products based on a patented innovation. They are now no longer dependant on sub-contract trade moulding.
Impact on turnover and job security for Wright plastics will be significant.
In addition parents now have access to a cost effective, resource efficient product that can safely, conveniently and reliably enable them to heat milk for their young children while travelling and not be reliant on unpredictable restaurant provision.
For more information about the project
If you would like to hear more about this project, please contact Peter Ford, Head of Commercial Design, De Montfort University.
Email: design@dmu.ac.uk
Telephone: 0116 250 6238
University
Academic Lead
Peter Ford
Design Innovation
Contact
0116 250 6238