Academic receives special award for work to create recyclable face shields for frontline staff

Soon after starting the project, Dr Robotham began working with Mike Corran, Managing Director of Plympton-based company Prestige Packaging, and the company’s Designer Dave Lewis (who graduated from the University’s BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Typography course in 2011).

Together, they refined the original design and make it into a high-speed manufactured product which was cost effective, but also recyclable.

The finalised face shield provides eye and face protection against contamination to the eyes from respiratory droplets and splashing of secretions, including respiratory secretions.

Its frame and strap are made from a folding boxboard that is 100% recyclable, 100% compostable and made from FSC-certified wood products. The anti-fog, anti-glare, see-through visor is made from a type of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that is 100% recyclable and can be returned back into the production cycle.

Exactly a month after launching the project, the British Standards Institute confirmed in mid-May that the shield had passed all its tests and been approved for use by healthcare workers, first responders and other personnel. It could also carry the CE mark.

An initial run of 20,000 shields were produced, and they were immediately made available for procurement.