Spider-silk raincoats

Spider Silk Raincoats

Team members: 

Polychronis Tatsis

(Team Lead)

John William Embate
(Member)

Hal Agar

(Member)

Project description:

   Introduction of the Problem

Water pollution is still regarded as one of the world's most persistent environmental issues. The usage of plastic materials on our commodities has become a major contributory factor to this problem especially as these objects make their way to different bodies of water. Microplastics have been detected in the water around the world, including our streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. In these waterways, the microplastics end up in the water we drink and the fish we eat, including shellfish. But how do microplastics get into our water? One of the main sources is our clothing. Minuscule fibers of acrylic, nylon, spandex, and polyester are shed each time we wash our clothes and are carried off to wastewater treatment plants or discharged to the open environment.

  The Product and Its Benefits

Raincoats made of spider silk are non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly. It' s also pliable and has high tensile strength. Raincoats, unlike jackets and clothes, do not necessarily require a lot of layers to be functional; instead, they are expected to be more lightweight so as not to impede the wearer's movements. Because spider silk is lighter than cotton, it is an advantageous alternative material for raincoats.

  Target Users and Key Partners

• Target Users:
  • Region & Geography:
    • Asia Pacific - Most of the countries in the Asia Pacific region are affected by the East Asian Monsoon which makes them experience heavy rainfall and storms.
  • Industry:
    • Agriculture - Farmers typically work as much as possible regardless of the weather in order to meet the increasing demand for agricultural products.
    • Fishing - Fishermen wear yellow raincoats to increase visibility in fog and stormy seas, as well as to be more practical. 
• Key Partners:
  • ENGO (Environmental Non-governmental Organization)
  • Government
  • Farmers
  • Textile Distributors

  Initial Plans of Development

1) Create an initial prototype or proof of concept.

2) Apply for intellectual property rights protection.

3) Organize a crowdfunding event at Kickstarter or other platforms.

4) Look for initial small initial investors.

5) Apply for a government grant or funding.

6) Use Human - Centered Design approach for each iteration of the product 

  Why Us?

"SPISIRA aims to develop a better and sustainable way of making garments and clothing. Leveraging spider silk for dealing with microplastics in our oceans and land. We believe in a better and greener future with you " 

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEHbe0942B4&ab_channel=AlohaMoloha