(October 6, 2024) Every day, millions of people use toothbrushes and toothpaste packaged in plastic tubes as part of their daily oral care routine. While these products are essential for oral hygiene, their environmental impact is severe. According to the British Dental Journal, “The UK uses 300 million tubes of toothpaste every year. Spread end to end, that’s about 75,000 kilometres of plastic, almost twice around the world.”
Now, consider the global scale of this problem, with billions of dental hygiene products contributing to plastic pollution worldwide. An estimated 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are consumed each year globally, and more than 23 billion plastic toothbrushes are discarded annually across the globe. To play his part in addressing this issue, Harsh P, an IIT-Guwahati student pursuing Master’s in Interaction Design came up with the innovative solution of biodegradable single-use, water-soluble toothbrushes that are infused with toothpaste. His design tackles the growing plastic waste crisis in dental care, and earned him the prestigious iF Design Student Award 2024.
Harsh travelled to Milan in Italy this June to receive the award. “I wasn’t expecting it. I just entered the competition, and my innovation emerged the winner in the student category,” the 24-year-old tells Global Indian.
Harsh receiving award from Uwe Cremering, CEO of iF Design Awards
The iF Design Award
In 2024, the iF Design Award, presented by the non-profit iF Design Foundation, received nearly 11,000 submissions from 72 countries across both student and professional categories. The foundation aims to highlight design’s significant global influence through this initiative.
Harsh competed in the product design category of the awards which spanned across various fields, including packaging design, communication design, interior architecture, and service design, among others. The entries were judged by a jury of members from around the globe.
To win the award, participants had to go through a two-stage selection process where their designs were evaluated by renowned design experts. “When I received the award in Milan, I felt very humbled by this honour, as I was sharing the stage with many famous designers,” says Harsh, who received the award from Uwe Cremering, CEO of the iF Design Awards initiative.
Although the award does not come with any monetary benefits, receiving this global recognition is a significant achievement for professionals and students. Harsh says his parents, peers and professors are proud of this accomplishment.
Finger-based and tongue-based oral care biodegradable products designed by Harsh
The innovative solution – Zero Brush
“I saw how plastic is affecting our environment, oceans and earth, so I thought let’s change small things that can have huge impacts,” tells Harsh about his biodegradable toothbrush which he has named Zero Brush.
Zero Brush addresses the global problem of discarded toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes through two innovative designs – finger-based and tongue-based brushes, ideal for accessibility.
These single-use, water-soluble brushes are infused with toothpaste and made from semolina, corn, agar, and mint extracts. Unlike conventional brushes that contribute to plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, Zero Brush biodegrades naturally. “It’s unique UNO bristles and projections gently clean teeth and massage gums, while being vegan, sugar-free, and affordable,” tells Harsha. “I want everyone to join the fight against plastic and unleash a wave of sustainable smiles.”
Harsh P at Milan
In the world of designs
After completing his bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronics, and communications engineering from the Government SKSJT Institute in his hometown, Bengaluru, Harsh joined IIT Guwahati for his masters.
Talking about his decision to pursue design at the master’s level, he shares, “During my engineering studies, I had a great mentor who ran a research and innovation lab at my college. That experience exposed me to various fields, including design, which sparked my deep interest in it.”
In addition to the biodegradable toothbrush that earned him the prestigious international award, Harsh has also developed other innovative products, such as a road profiler and a smart switch, among others.
“My future plan after completing my masters is to make better designs that reach and benefit the people of India and ultimately be beneficial to the whole world,” he says.
Harsh P
Relishing the trip to Europe
When Harsh travelled to Milan to receive the award, it was his first trip abroad. “The Milan experience was amazing. I explored new places and immersed myself in a different culture during my week-long stay,” says the young designer, who travelled solo.
His trip to Milan coincided with a three-week student exchange program in France. “I was selected by the French embassy in India for the French+Science course,” he tells. On his way from Italy to France, Harsh spent two days in Switzerland, as it was en route, exploring the region’s beautiful landscapes.
The iF Design Award and the experience of travelling to multiple locations in Europe not only broadened the youngster’s horizons but also deepened his appreciation for international collaboration in design and education.
- Follow Harsh P on LinkedIn
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