CREATIVES

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Palmar

With social distancing expected to continue for some time, we need to design for the future and whatever the ‘new normal’ might entail. Even when we are working from home, it doesn’t mean we are entirely isolated from our communities - it is still necessary to leave our houses to go shopping, to visit the doctor and to take our children to school. Countries around the world are slowly lifting restrictions and encouraging employees back to their workplaces, however they will certainly look very different compared to before the outbreak. We are undergoing a period of great transition and many people feel worried about returning to society - that's where Palmar can help.

In a survey in the UK (CIPD, 2020), 44% of respondents voiced concerns about going back to work as the lockdown eases and over 60% of Americans feel scared shopping in large supermarkets (CR Research, 2020). To combat the fear of returning to society, more and more people are using personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves and visors. These may have a significant benefit for controlling the spread of infection, however represent a significant environmental challenge as they are often single-use and made from non-biodegradable plastics. Without proper disposal options, littered PPE poses a threat to both the environment and our local communities.

Palmar is a sustainable, fully compostable alternative to non-biodegradable latex gloves to protect people as they return to workplaces and offices around the world. Palmar's cardboard sleeve doubles as a convenient disposal option to discourage irresponsible littering.

Palmar is a convenient way to keep hands clean and minimise contamination when in public when hand washing is impractical. Not only can Palmar protect the physical health of communities, but also empower individuals to carry out daily tasks, such as shopping, going to work or attending school, with the confidence that they are protecting themselves and their communities.

Many individuals are anxious to leave the house and to resume daily activities in fear of contracting the virus or spreading it to loved ones. Palmar extends the notion of home, reinterpreting 'home' as a feeling and place of safety, not only something conflated with or related to the house. The glove provides a physical barrier between yourself, your 'home' or safe space and the outside world. It is not designed to replace hand washing nor to encourage wearers to be less vigilant.

Palmar is designed only for the left hand, adopting the cultural notion of the 'unclean hand' that reaches out into the outside world. This simple conditioning will encourage users to act with necessity and purpose and encourage careful and cautious actions as we experience a phased return to society.

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