Summary
- Profile Type
- Business request
- POD Reference
- BRGB20240119007
- Term of Validity
- 19 January 2024 - 18 January 2025
- Company's Country
- United Kingdom
- Type of partnership
- Outsourcing agreement
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
Contact the EEN partner nearest to you for more information.
Find my local partner
General information
- Short Summary
- A UK SME has developed a recyclable disposable hygienic surface mat made from biodegradable and impermeable paper which helps eliminate the spread of bacteria, germs and viruses found on eating surfaces. The SME is now seeking to collaborate with organisations who can produce and manufacture prototypes, but also support for trialling and testing their product with aviation organisations, schools, restaurants and takeaways, hospitals and care homes, envisaged via an outsourcing agreement.
- Full Description
-
The UK SME specialising in health and wellbeing for the food and beverage industry has developed a portable foldaway surface mat which is made up of an outer recyclable coated board carry case containing multiple disposable sheets of impermeable biodegradable paper. The whole product is recyclable in the paper recycling stream when finished with and made from sustainable sources.
The idea came about when seeing young children eating snacks and dry food directly from dirty café tables and paper serviettes. This idea moved on seeing older children and adults eating sandwiches and snacks in the same way or from paper sheets on dirty café/restaurant trays, and any outlet where food on the go is served. When one sheet is removed after use, it is peeled away to reveal a next clean sheet for use.
Airline tray tables have been proved to be one of the dirtiest areas on a plane. They are not routinely cleaned or sanitised, as turnaround time between flights is insufficient and limited, yet passengers continually eat from them as an unprotected surface. Train tables are the same. Many people who are unaware eat food in a café or fast food restaurant from a surface contaminated previously by using a dirty cloth and spray cleaner, being used from table to table, transferring all germs and debris for a cycle of table usage.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 the world today has become more health and hygiene conscious. Coupled with the environmental issues of recycling and single use wastage of products containing plastics, the UK SME believes the concept of this product will fulfil the criteria for hygiene and sustainability and wish to bring this to market. Potential is there for the health care environment such as hospitals and care homes. The sustainability and recyclability elements of the product are equally as important as the hygiene benefits. The UK government is tackling the banning of plastic plates/cups/cutlery meaning this could be the perfect time to enter the market. They want to send a strong message to the end user that this product contains no plastics and convey the care for the planet ethos.
The UK SME sees the market opportunity as vast and varied. From parents carrying one in their bags, to travellers using on trains and planes, for retailers, fast food outlets, airport shops and as an “add on” for multi branding advertising. Any location where there is “food to go” is an opportunity for the product.
The company has had samples made by a food packaging company but are not at the stage where they can manufacture, market or retail the disposable mat. An in-depth IP audit assessment has recently been undertaken with a favourable result from the Patent Attorney, recommending them to apply for further protection.
The SME is now seeking collaboration to help further test, trial and manufacture the mat and to help take it to market.
This is envisaged via an outsourcing agreement to;
- Produce and manufacture prototypes and samples
- Further develop for targeted markets and support with testing trials and commercialisation. - Advantages and Innovations
-
- 100% Recyclable.
- Made from impermeable biodegradable paper and board.
- Fully Disposable.
- Made from sustainable sources.
- Can be used as an advertising opportunity, and/or complimentary item.
- Improves brand and customer image for organisations who adopt and use this. - Stage of Development
- Concept stage
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- IPR description
-
Manufacturers involved in the production of hygiene and sanitary products, such as those specialising in disposable or biodegradable material. To produce a small batch of prototypes to trail and test in different environments and target markets.
Please note that further details on specifications and designs can be provided via request and upon signing an NDA.
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
-
Type of Partner Sought:
Companies in the hygiene, healthcare, or packaging industries that are involved in manufacturing such products.
Aviation, schools, hospitals and restaurant chains for further research testing and trials.
Expected Role:
The SME seeks collaboration to collectively test, trial, manufacture, and bring the hygienic surface mat to market via the following collaboration;
- Manufacturers – produce and manufacture prototypes to trail and test.
- To further develop the product for target markets, improve market readiness and support with commercialisation. - Type and Size of Partner
- OtherR&D InstitutionBig companySME 11-49SME 50 - 249
- Type of partnership
- Outsourcing agreement
Call details
- Coordinator required
-
Yes
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 11006 - Citizens participation08002002 - Food Microbiology / Toxicology / Quality Control
- Market keywords
- 07003002 - Health food07006 - Other Consumer Related (not elsewhere classified)07005001 - Fast food restaurants007003005 - General food products
- Targeted countries
- All countries