GULP PRODUCTS - iBFL - Proof Of Concept of a digital Intelligent 'Bag For Life'
Lead Participant:
GULP PRODUCTS
Abstract
Bag for Life (BFL), is a shopping bag reused several times. An alternative of single-use paper
or plastic carrier bags, it's often made from Jute, Cotton, Juco or Hessian. If ethically
produced, BFL presented opportunity for positive impact on the planet. However, of the
380billion retail plastic bags used/yr in USA, just 2.5% (9.7billion) have been replaced by a
BFL– arguably because they're not fit for purpose. The BFL simply duplicated the load
carrying function of a plastic bag, and relied on social moral drivers to bring about
environmental change. But BFL did not offer users additional functionality or ‘wow’ factors,
and failed to seize the opportunity to address ergonomic and associated long term health
issues that result from carrying unbalanced shopping bags (plastic or otherwise) with extended
arms. As a result the BFL has become a disposable product with a limited lifespan. Younger
shoppers now often use rucksacks owing to their better ergonomics, but their design does not
suit grocery shopping.
BFL have several limitations. Medical Mycologists report BFL lead to food poisoning, and
increased risk of food borne illness (up to 50% contain coliform, and 12% E. coli) because
BFL cannot be easily washed. Further, Ergonomists and Physiotherapists warn that their use
can injure neck, back, shoulders, because they distort natural curve of spine (leading to
serious injuries such as herniated discs, accelerated cervical spine degeneration, and traction
injury of the brachial plexus (causing shoulder/arm numbness). Treatment costs approx 0.2%
of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the EU. Our study shows 15% could be the result of
inappropriate carrying of groceries. Functionally, consumers complain that BFL offer only 1
food
compartment, forcing fragile, fresh and heavy items, in addition to hot and frozen products, to
reside together.
This project seeks to demonstrate Proof of Concept of a Intelligent BFL (iBFL) that addresses
known limitations in BFL and rucksacks
or plastic carrier bags, it's often made from Jute, Cotton, Juco or Hessian. If ethically
produced, BFL presented opportunity for positive impact on the planet. However, of the
380billion retail plastic bags used/yr in USA, just 2.5% (9.7billion) have been replaced by a
BFL– arguably because they're not fit for purpose. The BFL simply duplicated the load
carrying function of a plastic bag, and relied on social moral drivers to bring about
environmental change. But BFL did not offer users additional functionality or ‘wow’ factors,
and failed to seize the opportunity to address ergonomic and associated long term health
issues that result from carrying unbalanced shopping bags (plastic or otherwise) with extended
arms. As a result the BFL has become a disposable product with a limited lifespan. Younger
shoppers now often use rucksacks owing to their better ergonomics, but their design does not
suit grocery shopping.
BFL have several limitations. Medical Mycologists report BFL lead to food poisoning, and
increased risk of food borne illness (up to 50% contain coliform, and 12% E. coli) because
BFL cannot be easily washed. Further, Ergonomists and Physiotherapists warn that their use
can injure neck, back, shoulders, because they distort natural curve of spine (leading to
serious injuries such as herniated discs, accelerated cervical spine degeneration, and traction
injury of the brachial plexus (causing shoulder/arm numbness). Treatment costs approx 0.2%
of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the EU. Our study shows 15% could be the result of
inappropriate carrying of groceries. Functionally, consumers complain that BFL offer only 1
food
compartment, forcing fragile, fresh and heavy items, in addition to hot and frozen products, to
reside together.
This project seeks to demonstrate Proof of Concept of a Intelligent BFL (iBFL) that addresses
known limitations in BFL and rucksacks
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| GULP PRODUCTS | £165,864 | £ 99,518 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Peter Robinson (Project Manager) |