British pubs could soon be stocking new safer pint glasses after two major suppliers confirmed they are trialling protoypes inspired by the Government's Design Out Crime scheme.
Arc International and Utopia have been working on the technical challenges of mass-producing safer glasses and are expected to announce further developments in the coming months.
The prototypes were developed by design consultancy Design Bridge, who worked to a brief set by the Home Office's Design and Technology Alliance Against Crime.
The brief challenged designers to rethink the traditional British pint glass and to overcome the resistance faced by current plastic based alternatives.
The glasses are being trialled at a number of major pub chains and at a broad spectrum of outlets including sport bars, student bars and traditional pubs.
"It is a major step towards the goal of developing glass-based drinking vessels which are more acceptable to pub-goers than the current plastic alternatives, and which help reduce the estimated 87,000 violent incidents involving glass which occur each year across the UK," said David Helps, board director at Design Bridge.
Jeremy Myerson, Helen Hamlyn Professor of Design, Royal College of Art, and Alliance member said encouraging progress had been made. "This is a really important issue to tackle. Design Bridge has shown that it can help reduce terrible injuries and save NHS funds, and create new business for glass makers."
Responsibility
John Goodman, Arc International's marketing manager, food service UK & Ireland, said: "Throughout 2010 we have worked closely across the industry to find a commercial solution that answers the needs of all.
"During the past few months we have taken the various solutions to differing levels of testing including live venue tests.
"Our approach has been one of solution finding and we believe that our multi-level approach will offer the complete market a solution for 2011 and onwards."
Director of UK tableware company, Utopia, Stephen Dodd, added: "Our industry has responsibility to help address this social issue. We're delighted with the progress being made and are in continuous and active partnership with leading glass coating and design specialists with a view to bringing a viable and valuable solution to market.''