Horners’ Award for Plastics Innovation and Design.

2022

THE PLASTICS INNOVATION & DESIGN AWARD 2022

After a high-calibre competition, VarDAR has been announced as the winner of the Horners Award for Plastics Innovation and Design.

VarDAR is the shortened name of the Variable Diameter Dual Directional Flow Air Ring, supplied by VarDAR Systems. Intended for blown film lines, the product can be retrofitted or fitted to new lines and improves cooling efficiency on many applications ranging from small tube lines up to large machines with web widths up to three meters. Productivity is increased by adding additional cooling above the frost line, improving the speed of production and reducing scrap levels and ‘blocking’ (caused when the inside surfaces stick together).

2020

THE PLASTICS INNOVATION & DESIGN AWARD 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Award was not held during 2020 and, instead, we launched, in conjunction with the BPF, The Horners’ Covid-19 Outstanding Achievement Award. This was in recognition of outstanding achievement by companies or organisations in reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2019

‘HOTBIN MINI’

The winner of the Horners Award for Polymer Design and Innovation was announced as DS Smith’s “Hotbin Mini” compost bin during a visit to Grundon’s waste management facility in Slough.

The winner was praised for providing homeowners around the country with a small, slimline unit to help process their waste into compost up to 32 times faster than cold composting bins. Reaching temperatures of 60°c, food and garden waste can be composted in as little as 30 days due to the insulating properties of plastic.

2018

‘RLE International

2017

‘Tickleflex’

TickleFlex is an insulin injection aid for diabetics. It fits over the disposable needle used by insulin pens and makes the act of self injecting safer, easier and more comfortable.

The product features a silicon flexure that collapses in a controlled way when pressed against the skin. It then delivers multi-function benefits.

See more at www.tickleflex.com

2016

The pTrumpet
The world’s first all-plastic trumpet has won the Horners Award for Plastics Innovation and Design 2016.
Designed by musicians in England and produced by Warwick Music Group, the pTrumpet was praised by the judges for the fact that it made the trumpet an affordable instrument for many — especially school children.
The pTrumpet is made up of a fully plastic valve system — the first of its kind — with self-lubricating plastic properties. The polymer lead pipe technology is unique, as is the ability to manufacture the lead pipe in one unit.

The judges selected the Thermochromic Cable Collar by GH Innovation Ltd as the runner-up. It is a brand new electrical fire safety product that highlights high temperature or loose electrical connections by changing colour. It was commended for its potentially lifesaving properties, as one of the main causes of electrical fires in homes and businesses are overheated electrical connections.

2015

Guardian Maritime Limited are the winners of the 2015 Horners Award for Plastics Design and Innovation.
Piracy at sea has been a problem for hundreds of years. In recent years, piracy has extended far off the Somali coast, into the Indian Ocean and is now escalating on the West Coast of Africa, Indonesia and Central America.
Guardian Maritime Limited developed a new and deceptively simple solution to the problem of unwanted boarding under sail, at anchor or in port.
Unlike razor wire, the GUARDIAN™ units are quick, simple and safe to install. They are rotationally moulded in 1000mm wide sections that lock together – clamping onto the safety rail to provide a strong and rigid structure.
Teresa Stevens, Owner and Designer of GUARDIAN said “I am very proud to have been chosen for this award, being recognised by such an esteemed guild is a great honour. I would like to thank all those who have helped with the development of GUARDIAN including Paul Norman Plastics who guided me to the BPF website.
The award was presented at Mansion House, by Guest of Honour Alderman Sir Michael Bear who acted as Lord Mayor Locum Tenens.

2014

Propoints – Self-Sealing Obturation Points
Propoints were designed to replace existing materials and some techniques, which can cause damage to the tooth and increase the chances of reinfections. For example, Propoints are a single-cone obturator, and so only one Propoint is required per tooth, unlike multi-cone lateral compaction techniques which a) create potential voids within the canal increasing chances of reinfection and b) result in lateral compaction which can potentially cause root fracture through the forces exerted.

2013

Airbus A350 XWB Composite Rear Spar

The highly innovative ‘Airbus A350 XWB Composite Rear Spar’, developed by GKN Aerospace, has been announced as the winner of the Horners Award for Plastics Design and Innovation 2013.

GKN Aerospace has developed automated processes for its A350 XWB composite spar and fixed trailing edge assembly programme. The application of state-of-the-art automated fibre placement (AFP) technology, unique to the UK, has allowed GKN Aerospace to produce cost effective repeatable lightweight components with more complex and bespoke geometries.

2012

The Birthing Baby
The Birthing Baby is a new born baby mannequin which is having a growing role in the training of doctors, midwives and nurses and helps to prevent adverse outcomes in childbirth. Training using The Birthing Baby helps eliminate confusion in roles and responsibilities, provides better structure and coordination to the performance of key clinical tasks and improves organization and support.

The head, body and limbs are made from RTV Silicone rubber, ABS and water blown polyurethane foam. It includes several realistic, key anatomical features. The head is suitable to practice forceps and suction deliveries and the arms, legs and head articulate realistically. The flexibility, hardness, density and weight distribution of the skin, limbs and joints closely replicate those of a real baby.

To view their website click here

2011

The secure bicycle storage system from Cycloc Product Design. 

The innovative mouldings allow cycles to be secured on a wall, optimising available space in offices and student accommodation.

The mouldings are brightly coloured and exploit the design opportunities of the plastic materials chosen.

To view their website click here.

2010

The ‘Easy Clean’ Bedside Cabinet from Bristol Maid™

The ‘Easy Clean’ Bedside Cabinet from Bristol Maid™ was designed to assist in reducing unwanted healthcare associated infections.
The design reduces the number of hard to reach corners and surfaces without cutting down patient storage.
The rotationally moulded design helps to achieve better standards of hygiene in patient care whilst maximising space, security and flexibility in operation.

For winner’s details click here

2009

The Beehaus

The Beehaus was developed using modern plastics materials to provide bees with a safe, modern home in which to live and makes beekeeping straightforward and fun.
The judges were greatly impressed by the Omlet Beehaus due to its use of plastics materials to benefit the environment and to address a topical issue, the decline in bee populations. Omlet is the first com-pany in the history of the Horners Award to have won twice, having received the Award in 2004 for their ‘Eglu’ Chicken Coop.

For winner’s details click here

2008

Durakerb

A revolutionary, lightweight and environmentally friendly kerbstone system.The overall design concept of the ‘Durakerb’ system which is manufactured from a blend of recycled polymers, aims to help specifiers and contractors comply with Government requirements for sustainable buildings.

Durakerb is a cost-effective solution not only to the Health & Safety Executive’s Manual Handling Regulations but also to the ever increasing environmental performance targets now commonplace throughout the construction industry.

For winner’s details click here

Also see:
https://www.prw.com/subscriber/headlines2.html?cat=1&id=1289997484&q=durakerb

2007

The Golf Trolley

A thermoplastics, injection-moulded, powered Golf Trolley. The Golf Trolley has been designed by Greaves Best Design and is manufactured by GoKart Powered Golf.

Tooling, moulding and component sourcing is accessed through DT Industries. Plastics materials are used to great effect in producing an extremely durable, light weight and low maintenance product which is easily manoeuvrable at all elevations and on golf courses with challenging terrains.

The materials selected facilitated innovation in the incorporation of springs, hinges, gears, and integral latches. Tactile qualities could be introduced which enhanced comfort and allowed a firm grip. Over- all, as the components were moulded, the number of parts could be reduced with cost savings resulting.

For winner’s details click here

2006

Sovrin Plastics

Sovrin Plastics was the winner of the 2006 Horners Award. Sovrin received the honor for the ‘Syclix’ surgical instruments for minimally invasive surgery. The company was recruited to build the tooling for the Syclix device as well as mould and assemble the product. The ‘Syclix’ recognises innovation in plastics, in its elimination of the ring grip on regular surgical in- struments, which can be restricting and tiring for surgeons. Through rolling the instrument with the forefinger and thumb, the jaws of the instrument are controlled with minimal arm movement for 180 degree rotation.

For winner’s details click here

2005

The UltraCane

The UltraCane is an inventive mobility aid for the blind and partially sighted.

It works exactly the same way that bats “see” using ultrasonic echoes to provide users with the ability to “feel” objects in their environment through the cane’s vibrations. Like the bat, the Ultracane uses ultrasonic echoes (signals that bounce off objects in the vicinity) to detect how big and how far ahead obstacles are and converts this information into vibrating but- tons in its handle.

As there are a number of sensors, the can can even detect ob- structions at head height. This means that the UltraCane user builds a growing spatial map of their surroundings and all the trials and user feedback suggests that this spatial awareness doesn’t even require conscious effort on behalf of the user – it just happens. The additional feelings of safety and confidence reported by users is no doubt because blind and vision- impaired people have been used extensively in developing the UltraCane.

For winner’s details click here

2004

The EGLU Chicken coop

The EGLU Chicken coop was adapted to accommodate other small animals such as rabbits and hamsters. Seven of the struc- tural components are rotationally moulded by HP Mouldings in HPDE in a range of elegant colours.

It can be delivered direct to your home, together with a pair of hens and enough food to start them laying eggs.

For winner’s details click here

2003

Vent-Axia® Air Minder

One of this year’s most outstanding entries and the ultimate winner was the Vent-Axia® Air Minder. This whole-house heat recovery ventilation system effortlessly removes the home’s polluted air. The main unit had to be light in weight in order to ease installation and plastics became the first choice material. Two ground-breaking design features were developed, firstly the major ABS outer casings were over moulded with expanded polystyrene in order to ease the air flow and improve the insulation and quiet running of the unit and secondly, the traditional bulky aluminium heat exchanger was replaced by an automatically assembled series of concatenated thermoformed PVC baffle plates which now outstrip the performance of metal equivalents. The Air Minder can greatly reduce the energy needed to heat the home and will have a positive environmental impact when installed in new buildings.

2002

3M™ Paint Preparation System

A new innovative system for mixing and preparing refinish material prior to spraying. This system features a plastic disposable reservoir and associated fittings which greatly improve the efficiency of the spraying system.

2001

The World’s first single piece PET can entered by the RPC Containers Ltd.

Judges chose the plastic can because it has revolutionised the way lever-lid containers can be produced and con- quered the limitations posed by current moulding techniques.

2000

‘Inventa’

‘Inventa’ – an innovative education aid entered by Valiant Technology Limited which makes extensive use of injec- tion moulded Polystyrene and Polypropylene parts.

1999

60 litre Supermarket Shopping Trolley

A new concept design for a 60 litre Supermarket Shopping Trolley which was developed by a consortium including the Industrial Design Consultancy (based in Slough), Dupont Engineering Polymers (based in Hemel Hempstead), Plasto AS (Norway) and Carte 2000 (Australia).

The Bottlemakers Award

2022 Winner

MonoFlexBE Cheese Pouches has been declared the winning product of the Horners Bottlemakers Award. Developed by Coveris, it has been adopted by several major supermarkets.

The MonoFlexBE film is a polyethylene barrier monolaminate, which is far easier to recycle than conventional mixed nylon laminates used for grated cheese pouches. It matches shelf-life requirements and functional performance via innovative EVOH barrier technology and has also enabled a reduction in the amount of plastic used per pack.

2021 Winner  –

The winner was Zotefoams PLC for its ReZorce Circular Packaging , a fully recyclable mono-material beverage carton with barrier properties that meet  or exceed all food industry standards. It is the first viable alternative  to composite barrier packaging. Life cycle analysis shows producing, filling and transporting  a ReZorce carton requires five times less energy  than conventional aseptic cartons. ReZorce also requires 11 times less water and provided it is recycled, has a 50% overall lower global warming potential. It is made with up to 70% recycled polymer and could reach full circularity in the future when food grade recycled polymer becomes available.

2019 Winner  –  The Zero Waste CuZero Waste Cup

Invented and manufactured in the UK, the Zero Waste Cup will replace disposable ‘to-go’ paper
cups found at coffee shops, campuses, sporting events and festivals. The lowest cost insulated and reusable cup available today, it is made using EcoCore(r) – a new platform technology for injection moulding that will underpin low-cost transitions from single-use to reusable packaging.

It is Eco friendly when compared to both single-use bio and non-biodegradable cups.

Reusable, it can be provided in place of single-use packaging at no extra cost to consumers or businesses and can be washed in commercial dishwashers up to 1000 washes.

Recyclable – made of monomaterial polypropylene which is widely recycled.

Ideal for deposit return schemes – compatible with reverse vending machines.

A worthy winner of the Horners Bottlemakers award, it is made by Bockatech Ltd in Huntingdon.

www.bockatech.com

2018

The Boot Buddy Bottle

The Boot Buddy won the Horners Bottlemakers gong as a creative innovation to clean muddy footwear. Judges awarded Boot Buddy Ltd with the prize because of the technical innovation, and minimal water usage in their efficient boot cleaning product.

Using just 300ml of water, the Boot Buddy features a brush for cleaning and provides an easy-grip suitable for all ages and hand sizes, controlling water flow via the bottle to the boot.

2017

First Editions  –  Digitally Printed Sports Bottle

First Editions Ltd have developed an innovative technology that enables digital print to be applied directly to a bottle’s surface.  The process transforms the UK manufactured 100% LDPE bottles from a traditional sports bottle to something  unique.

More information on this award can be found on the BPF Website here.

This is their website www.firsteditionsltd.com

From <https://www.horners.org.uk/awards/our-awards/>

2016

The ICE Bottle
The ICE Bottle by R&D Tool and Engineering Ltd won the 2016 award. Initially created for the cosmetics market, the glass-like bottle is produced using injection stretch blow moulding. The result is a stackable bottle with a sleek high-end almost architectural look.

It was praised by the judges for the way it demonstrates what is possible with plastics at the premium end of the market and for its unique eye-catching design.
Made from a copolyester supplied by Eastman, the square shoulders of the bottle also allow for a simple engraving process that can be easily read. It has sparked interest from many parts of the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) industry.

2015

Logoplast

The winner of the 2016 Bottlemakers Award was judged to be the Logoplast for their new 1.5 Litre bottle
The innovative new 1.5 litre bottle design was developed to save about 2.500 tons of plastic each year to reduce waste and help the environment.

The bottle is produced from recycled PET and the design uses biomimicry, strengthening the base with a honeycomb rib configuration to withstand up to 1bar of internal pressure due to the Nitrogen applied during filling.

The bottle was launched in May 2015.

2014

Braille Tubes

The winner of the 2014 Bottlemakers Award was judged to be the Braille Tubes by M&H Plastics.

The Braille Tubes demonstrates excellence in design and innovation. M&H has developed a method of accurately printing Braille characters directly onto plastic packaging.  A high-build varnish is used to print the dots directly onto the product using extremely accurate measures to ensure the height of the Braille alphabet remains uniform throughout the packaging run.

2013

APPE’s ThermaLite® Hot-fill, Pasteuriseable PET Jar

APPE’s ThermaLite® Hot-fill, Pasteuriseable PET Jar has been confirmed as the winner of the Horners Bottlemaker Award 2013.

The ThermaLite® PET jars demonstrates excellence in design and innovation. The jars are able to hot-fill at temperatures to 95 °C (previous industry maximum was 85 °C) and be pasteurised (previously not achievable with PET which is a global first). Using a revolutionary double-blow manufacturing process and specialist PET resin, APPE have produced jars that are fully transparent, high gloss and shatterproof.

The Horners Award Committee were also impressed by the products excellent environmental advantages. The jars are 85% lighter with smaller footprint than glass equivalents and require 15% less food-processing energy.

2012

Ecotainer

The winner of the 2012 Bottlemakers Award is the Ecotainer from RPC Plenmeller. Judged to show great advance in the design of anti ‘glug’ pouring, the container optimised space, combining light weight with positive safe stacking.

2011

Retortable Barrier Jar

The Bottlemakers Award this year was won by RPC Group and presented to Michael Stegeman. Their ‘retortable jar’ allows the hot filling of bulk food catering packs without the associated problems of expansion and distortion. The design incorporates novel ribbing to maintain shape during filling. As a glass replacement, the jars reduce weight and add safety.

For more information click here.

2010

RPC Vitamin Postal Pack

The 2010 winner of the Bottlemakers Award was judged to be the RPC Vitamin Postal Pack. RPC blow-moulded the HDPE bottle that needed to be less than 25mm deep in order to fit into the parameters of a standard letter. A polypropylene oblong cap to fit securely onto the pack and the bottleneck is induction sealed for air-tightness and tamper evidence.

2009

NEMESIS

NEMESIS range of bottlesThe Horner’s Bottlemaking Award, sponsored by the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers & Distributors Association , has been won by Northumbria Blow Mouldings Ltd for their NEMESIS range of bottles.

Available in 1, 2.5, 4 and 5 litre sizes, the bottles are extrusion blow moulded from a modified PET. This represents a technological breakthrough for blow mouldings of this size in a material that is both clear and fully recyclable, whilst having excellent gas barrier properties.

2007

Ragasco AS

Ragasco AS for the BP Gas Light, the lightweight composite gas cylinder. Developed and manufactured by Ragasco in Norway and sold in the UK through BP, this unique lightweight composite gas cylinder was a clear winner with the judges. The innovative use of multiple materials to replace the traditional steel bottles was re- garded as a great achievement and it was agreed that this development extends the scope of blow moulding into a new area of application.

The pleasing design and enhanced user-friendly features such as reduced weight, easy to see gas level, non-corrosive and non-explosive all added to it being selected as the 2007 winner.

2006

Monty

DR. FROHN designed 20 litre ‘Monty’ plastic canister for BP.

Developed by DR.ING.W.FROHN GMBH & CO KG in partnership with BP and manufactured by Werit UK Limited, the Monty pack is a lightweight, stackable, plastic retail container which allows automated high speed filling with a unique patented “ECOVENT” anti-glug discharge feature.

Moulded in HDPE, the Ecovent Discharge System vents through a channel running beneath and through the handle. This minimises potentially dangerous splashing of contents, drastically reduces emptying time, and improves pouring accuracy.

2005

RPC Group PLC

In 2005 the judging panel decided to give the Award not for a bottle or container of unique design but for a manufacturing process. The trophy was presented to the RPC Group plc for their new, transparent, injection stretch-blown bottles. These screw-top containers are made using 30% post consumer recycled PET.

2003

LIMELITE

In 2003 the judging panel selected the “LIMELITE” extrusion blow-moulded one-piece, dual chamber bottle , incorporating two corresponding necks made from polypropylene, together with its injection-moulded adaptor and cap.

It features the containment and pouring of two chemically different liquids which are not allowed to have contact during storage; they give common effect when flowing together after pouring.

DESIGN INNOVATION IN PLASTICS 2022

A student from Teesside University has claimed top prize in the 2022 Design Innovation in Plastics (DIP) competition, with a re-usable bedpan.

DIP, supported by The Worshipful Company of Horners, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and headline sponsored by Covestro, is the longest running plastics design competition of its kind for university undergraduates in the UK and Ireland.

Product design undergraduate, Zara King, designed EasyMode, a re-usable bedpan for a pulp liner to fit inside, providing a safe and comfortable base for people to use in any healthcare setting. The bedpan is moulded with a wide base so that it sits comfortably into the bed and presses down into the mattress, and when the patient is rolled off, it doesn’t tip.

Zara designed the product after hearing first hand from a nurse about the awkwardness of using existing bedpans, and the distress it often causes.

“She impressed the judges with her methodical approach to solving a major problem in the NHS,” he said. “Her holistic approach incorporated both user and patient issues, to come up with a solution which met both needs. She gave due consideration to sustainability, manufacturing and the materials used and has registered this product as her intellectual property, so that it is market ready, should she want to take it forward.”

DESIGN INNOVATION IN PLASTICS 2021

University student creates solution to universal problem of pesticide spray drift.

 A student from Brunel university has claimed top prize in the 2021 Design Innovation in Plastics competition, with a product which will help reduce pesticide spray drift.

Pol Blanch designed his product to help people in the developing world, after being inspired by his interest in agriculture and the rural issue of how to apply pesticides safely to vital crops.

The product, ‘D-Shield’, is a semi-translucent, foldable shield that minimises spray drift, blocking pesticides from drifting during application.  The shield, made from low density, heat resistant polypropylene, is designed to be carried by individuals using backpack sprayers, as is often the case in developing countries, where plots are smaller and the expense of agricultural machinery is prohibitive.

D-Shield was judged to be outstanding in its design and application, as well as addressing a fundamental problem in the environment, in line with the competition’s 2021 theme of ‘Design for a Natural World’.

Chairman of judges, Richard Brown, said: “Pol applied design thinking and conducted extensive research to find a cost-effective solution to a universal problem that threatens both our society and wildlife across the world.  His research recognises the scale of the problem and how pesticide overspray damages the natural environment.  His product is well designed, and we believe that with some refinement, it is good enough to be commercialised.”

Pol Blanch said: “I have worked very hard to create this product and am delighted it has received such a positive response.  The Design Innovation in Plastics competition has helped instil the value of sustainable design and I have gained skills in polymer-based product design along with a good understanding of its suitable manufacturing processes. It has been really rewarding to take a disposable product category and create a reusable solution – this is a trend I would love to continue in my future career.”

2020

The winner of the 2020 Design Innovation in Plastics (DIP) competition has attempted to tackle one of the most pressing problems of the modern urban age.

Kristen Tapping, a third year product design student from London South Bank University, created a bicycle wheel with pollution filters, that uses movement to actively purify the air.

Her Rolloe – Roll off Emissions wheel operates in the busiest, most polluted roadways, requiring zero energy to function, except for pedal power from the cyclist.

Her concept is targeted at large scale shared bicycle schemes, such as those used in London, rewarding consumers based on distance travelled.

Organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and the Worshipful Company of Horners, and industry headline sponsored by Covestro, DIP challenged students to come up with a brand new product on the theme of urban living, which would enhance life in a city environment, for use in flats or whilst commuting.

Tapping beat an original entry of more than 100 students from all over the UK and Ireland to win the top prize of a trophy and £1,000; a trip to Leverkusen, Germany, to visit Covestro; a placement with sponsor PDD Innovation and an invitation to the Lord Mayor’s Banquet as a guest of the Worshipful Company of Horners.

2019

Daniella Kaligorsky,  of Technological University Dublin, won £1,000 plus an expenses-paid visit to Covestro, Leverkusen, Germany; a placement at design and innovation company, PDD, London; an invitation to the Annual Banquet of the Worshipful Company of Horners, at the Mansion House in October, plus the Alan Griffiths Trophy.

Her product was Chekkit – A new way to raise breast cancer awareness by promoting self-examination.
This is a kit comprising three models that simulate the breast and the physical symptoms of breast cancer. The first model contains a replication of a tumour and could be compared to the second model simulating the cyst. The third model will indicate the thickening of skin around the breast as it is another physical symptom of breast cancer. The models have three main components. The outer layer as the skin; the inside of the breast which is the tissue and the tumour; and the third component, the backplate, replicating the ribs. The kit comes with a brochure to explain how to conduct a self-examination, and describes the overall twelve symptoms of breast cancer. A notebook will also be included to collate monthly logs.

2018

Alex Roquero, a Product Design student from Brunel University, won first prize for 2018 with a cleverly designed shelf which can fit on a balcony railing and carry anything from a plant to a bottle of wine. Alex impressed the competition judges with his ‘Hook’ shelf, which is integrated with a flowerbox, and fits to any kind of railing – ideal for people who have no garden, or reduced space, and want something which hooks onto a balcony.

Thanks to its unique shape, as well as plants, it can also carry day-to-day products such as coffee mugs, wine glasses, beer bottles or even books.

2017

This year the first prize was awarded to Ellen Britton, a Year 4 Product Design Engineering student at Glasgow School of Art.

The competition brief, ‘Products for Independent Travel,’ had challenged students to design an innovative product, primarily in plastic, that will provide a more comfortable and less stressful travel experience. Entries ranged from beach skis for wheelchairs and modular backpack systems to shower boxes.

Ellen designed a new product called ‘Peek’, an interactive travel sunshade, which uses smart technology, allowing children to use their imagination to create pictures, while still capturing glimpses of the big outdoors through a car or train window.

DESIGN INNOVATION IN PLASTICS _ STUDENT DESIGN AWARD.

2016

Theme: Products For Pets – Design For Animal Wellbeing.
The winner in 2016 is Annabel Burton, a second year student at Nottingham University who re-designed the buckle that fastens around the girth of a horse to hold its rug in place. It is a quick release device moulded in thermoplastic polyurethane. Its quick release prevents injury when the horse’s leg gets caught in the strap.

2015

Theme: Design to Transcend Metal
The winner, Alexander Bordino from Nottingham Trent University, designed the Soft Ice S Pump – a redesign of the stainless steel pump fitted to soft ice cream machines.

Watch the video here.

2014 – Dots
Michael Tougher

2013 – Project Sting
Chris Natt, Royal College of Art

2013 – Collapsible Flat-pack Clothes Hanger
Jamie Manfield, Nottingham Trent Uni

2011 – Moving Shelves for Primary Schools
Lewis Pearson, Swansea Metropolitan University

2010 – SafetyNet Sustainable Trawling System
Dan Watson, Royal College of Art

2009 – DIG Flatpack Garden Tools
James Ravenhall, Northumbria University – Theme: Sustainability

2007 – Keepsafe Personal Bag Security Accessory
Sara Bellini, Central St Martins – Theme: Security

2005 – HushFlush Toilet Seat
Derek Muir, University of Huddesfield – Theme: Sound

2003 – Slegoon – Extreme Sport Craft
Spike Reid, University of Northumbria – Theme: Free Time

2002 – Theme Mind, Body & Soul – Mobility
Martina Carpelan, Central St Martins College of Art & Design – Quacky Flipper

2001- Theme Millennium Kitchen
Rob Thompson, Central St Martins – Thermoplastics Button Bowl

2000 – Theme Plasti-city – Mobility and Urban Life
Alan Whiting, University of Northumbria, Urban Window Cleaning Kit

1999 – Theme An Educational Toy or Learning Aid for the Disabled
Ben Plewes, De Montfort University – ‘Freddie the Frog’ Buoyancy Aid

1998 – Theme A Design for Luggage
Rob Law, University of Northumbria – BASF Design Award – ‘Trunki’

1997 – Theme Plastics for the Patio
Clive Nicholls, De Montfort University – Washing Line System incorporating a Rain Guard

1996 – Oil Container
Calvin Hiscock, University of Plymouth

1995 – Height Adjustable Tap
Nick Cudworth, University of Teesside

1994 – Outdoor Seating System
Juliette Beauchot, De Montfort University

1993 – Tactile Stickers for the Blind
Sebastain De La Hamayde, De Montfort University

1992 – Modular Pill Dispenser
Alsed Briscoe, Leicester Polytechnic

1991 – Light up Ruler
Gary Merrington, Colchester Institute/Birmingham Polytechnic

1990 – ‘The Tug Toy’ educational bath toy
Mark Lomas, Nottingham Polytechnic

1989 – Multipurpose light source for yachtsmen
Kenneth Newton, Teesside Polytechnic

1988 – Theme An Article of Kitchen Equipment
Philip Thompson, Teesside Polytechnic – ‘Freefall’ Detergent Dispenser

1987 – Multiple use Sports net, with accessories
Richard Heayes, Colchester Institute

1986 – Small ‘Lean-to’ Folding Greenhouse
Eric Hewitt, Manchester Polytechnic

1985 – Portable Pack-away Band Saw
Timothy Vince, Gwent College of Higher Education

Jewellery and Fashion Award.

THE 2022 WINNER was Andrew Birks whose winning entry can be seen on the right.

He received his Gold Award during  the annual Awards Ceremony of the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards at  the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Hall in London on Monday 28^th February 2022.

 This important annual Awards Ceremony – known as the Jewellery Oscars – was hosted by British jewellery writer and editor Rachael Taylor, welcoming more than 300 guests, including representatives from world-renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers and the UK media.

2020 & 2021

Due to COVID-19, there were no Awards in these two years.

2019

The winner of the Jewellery Award in 2019 was  Julia Charters, with a piece entitled ‘Box of Frogs’. The small box (about 6cm high) is made from horn and silver. Congratulations to Julia.

In the past the winning item has been auctioned off for charity. This was the case again in that year and was sold by auction  after the Carol Service Dinner on 19^th December 2019 and raised £700 for the Master’s Charity.

2017

First prize was awarded to Dominik Wiecek for a gilded metal tumbler, with gold and silver plating, and horn ornaments; the horn panels can be detached for ease of cleaning.

The Runner up was Nicola Trowers for her Horn necklace.

Both pieces and other quality entries were auctioned in aid of the Master’s Charity in June at the Horners Charity Evening event at Painter Stainer’s Hall to which Dominik and Nicola were guests.

2016

Horn Coral Neckpiece
First prize was awarded to Jemma Whitehouse for her horn coral neckpiece.

The Runner up was Liga Belgrave for her Horn necklace.

The winner’s neckpiece was auctioned in aid of the Master’s Charity in June at the Horners Charity Evening event at Painter Stainer’s Hall to which Jemma was a guest.

2015

Master’s Charity Dinner

The 2015 Award entries were of a very high standard and showed remarkable talent. The best judged entries were submitted for auction at the Master’s Charity Dinner.

Polymer Apprentice

2021 Thomas Coyne

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) and the Worshipful Company of Horners are pleased to announce that Thomas Coyne of IPL Plastics has won the 2021 Polymer Industries Apprentice of the Year Award.

Tom is currently a Lead Quality Assurance Technician at IPL Plastics who has recently completed a EAL Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering course. Tom is responsible for a shift technician and leads a team in single-minute exchange of die (SMED) activities. However, it was Tom’s innovative ideas that resulted in a 38% reduction in tool change times (worth over £250k in additional capacity) that made him the standout candidate. Tom also impressed the judges with his technical ability as a certified machine operator and his designs for new products.

2020 Emily Harris

Emily is a second-year Mechatronics Engineering apprentice at Plasgran (part of Berry Global), plastics recyclers in Wimblington, Cambridgeshire. She has progressed rapidly, with an eagerness to learn, both in the workplace and at college, where she has achieved distinctions and completed her project well ahead of time. She has taken ownership of her learning plan, seeking support in order to excel in areas (such as machining) which she found more difficult. She has shown great initiative, notably in the design and construction of a control panel for a granule washing machine after identifying the problems (particularly safety) and making a costed proposal, with the result of much improved efficiency and safety. She has taken other initiatives based on her learning, including a recommendation for a “5S” (continuous improvement) activity to improve workshop layout and a risk assessment on a working area to highlight safety issues, and she remains involved in site improvement projects outside of her role and responsibilities. Outside work, she assists a local mental health charity, including practical work (digging pathways, laying sleepers and planting bushes) for a „Wellbeing” garden (also taking responsibility for supplying the PPE equipment for fellow-workers!).

2019 Jordan Clayton

 Jordan was a third year toolmaker apprentice at Mason Pinder, a toolmaking division of the Polypipe Group, in Doncaster. He achieved a double distinction in his BTEC Level 3 Mechanical Engineering qualification and has now progressed to BTEC  Level 4. In learning his practical skills, he  very successfully progressed through the various sections of the toolmaking operation, showing great commitment, enthusiasm and willingness to learn, and demonstrating exceptional ability, such that has become an “ambassador” in supporting other apprentices. He demonstrated a “can do” attitude, reflecting his inquisitive personality and diligent nature, and he will always go the “extra mile”.

Jordan  frequently offered up new ideas, and was selected as a member of a Continuous Improvement team tasked with improving the performance of an automation cell at one of the Polypipe sites. Not only did Jordan play a vital part in the design of the cell,making innovative proposals on many aspects, but he himself designed a key component; he then worked tirelessly, following the project right through to commissioning and completion on time.

The experience gained whilst working on this project, alongside his progress in toolmaking skills, has enabled Jordan to work unsupervised with minimal mentoring.

2018 Winner: Jake Hallat

Jake is only the second ever plastic injection moulding technician apprentice at Gripple. His day to day job includes; mounting of mould tools, setting mould processes and setting spring machines. Jake is close to finishing his apprenticeship and is showing tremendous progress towards his “science manufacturing technician level 3 diploma in polymer processing operations apprenticeship” course. Jake has completed a spring training course which was tutored by Wafios, an internal financial training course, 5’s training, enabling him to audit the company’s 5’s processes, and attended an Employee Ownership management training course. Over the next year Jake is due to attend courses in; leadership, intermediate and advanced excel, and train the trainer.

2017

Winner: Oliver Marsh

The first prize was awarded to to Oliver Marsh of MGB Plastics (Britain’s largest manufacturer of wheelie bins), whose exceptional achievement the panel also adjudged to deserve the award of a Polymer Apprentice Certificate under the conditions of the Livery Skills Council Apprentice Certificate Scheme. Oliver demonstrated a high level of achievement in completing parallel apprenticeships in Mechanical Engineering (with Distinction) and Plastics Processing. However, he made the biggest impression with his leadership role in the numerous improvement projects which he undertook, showing great ingenuity, the most important being the engineering of improvements to a high-technology process, which reduced changeover time to a fraction of that previously achieved, providing very substantial cost savings. Out of work, Oliver plays in a rock band and has developed a taste for sailing.

2016

Winner: Reece Connolly
The 2016 winner was Reece Connolly who received a Presentation Horn and a Cheque for £500. Reece completed a Level 3 apprenticeship in Process Operations at BASF, Bradford, a manufacturer of polymer based ingredients and processing aids. He was awarded the Salters City and Guilds prize for his performance in the Process Technology Level 3 course and was a key member of a team which developed a new plant performance display system which won a BASF global prize.