raw material resources. Meet Cu Paper and Cu Fibra.
Cu Paper is a patented product developed through public-private research partnership conducted at the Universidad del Desarrollo in Santiago. It is a paper infused with copper microparticles that has antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiviral properties that could combat SARS-CoV2. Students working with the design faculty at the Universidad del Desarrollo used the paper in their Cu Fibra project, which resulted in the design and production of some 21 cellose, copper infused handbags that were displayed among other innovative products at the 2023 Salone del Mobile, a trade show in Milan. The hand bags were the perfect vehicle for demonstrating and promoting the
commercial viability of the paper, as questions
about other applications soon revealed
commercial viability of the paper. Simultaneously other applications for the paper were revealed: opportunities for food packaging, wallpaper, room dividers
that – because of the antimicrobial properties – can be used in schools, offices and hospitals.
Understanding the complex history underpinning this product and its market application, we thought it best to let representatives speak for themselves about their product and enterprise as their answers also reveal the path similar new material projects might pursue. The following answers to questions posed by us were answered by Alejandra Amenábar Figueroa, Dean of the Faculty of Design at the Universidad del Desarrollo, and her team members.
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