Cima – Circular Medical Apparel
The medical workwear and protective clothing used in hospitals today are mostly disposable products that are discarded after a single use. Much of this apparel is made from petroleum-based plastics such as polyester and polypropylene. This is problematic in two ways. First, it creates enormous amounts of waste in hospitals day after day. Secondly, both the wearing comfort and the functionality of these garments, in which many people have to work for long periods of time, leave a lot to be desired. This is where the Cima project comes in, which has set itself the goal of developing a functional, comfortable to wear and at the same time ecological medical protective clothing. In cooperation with industrial partners, the project succeeded in creating a fully compostable garment made from renewable starting materials that meets the requirements of the circular economy. The products, designed of cellulose fibre, are characterized by a significantly improved wearing comfort as well as a functional and aesthetically high-quality design.
Comments of the nominators
A wisely chosen theme that is approached comprehensively and systematically. The project convinces with its professionalism, the exemplary successful integration of the sustainability aspect and especially with the proposed design solution. A functional product development that has been thought through down to the last detail and leaves nothing to be desired.
Comments of the jury
The medical protective clothing commonly used in hospitals today is a blessing, a necessity, an imposition and an evil at the same time. An imposition because of the poor wearing comfort. An evil because this petroleum-based plastic clothing ends up in the garbage after a single use. The Cima diploma project developed at ECAL aims to provide a remedy for these problems. Based on extensive research and a clear concept, the project has succeeded in doing just that. The proposed protective clothing is characterized both by its functionality and significantly improved wearing comfort, as well as by its ecological qualities. It is made from renewable raw materials and can be fully composted after use. Thanks to cooperation with industrial partners in product development, the chances of serial production of Cima should be good. This is what real progress looks like!
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