Glueless stickers

Media release 23 September 2004

Cars, bathrooms, factories and classrooms - a new technology for signage is reminding people to be waterwise, careful and teaching about atoms.

Epatch is an innovative rubber-silicon sticker that can be used as a sign or label in any area.

“It is particularly good for wet areas such as bathrooms where they act as a reminder to switch off the taps,” says Melbourne inventor and Fresh Innovator, James Shen.

“It doesn’t involve glue or water, is non-toxic, very durable, and able to be bent, stretched and folded without losing its shape. Epatch is new technology signage,” says James.

“It is also fade resistant, resistant to UV radiation and to temperature extremes up to 220 degrees - which means it is useful for industrial purposes.”

Epatch is already being used for parking permits. Now James is hoping to expand into the pharmaceutical and hospitality market.

“We’re hoping to do away with those little triangular cardboard signs in hotel bathrooms that ask you to save water,” says James.

“They get so wet they need to be replaced regularly. Printing a water saving message onto the Epatch, it can then be used and reused as it sticks to any surface, doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind and can be peeled on and off easily.”

Last year, Epatch won the 2003 Ron Carr Enterprise Award for innovation. Other products include educational kits where students learn about the properties of silicon rubber and atomic structure using glow-in-the-dark patches.

James’ invention won him a place at Fresh Innovators, a national competition at which 16 early-career innovators present their work to students, the general public, businesses and the media.

The program is supported by the Australian Government through the National Innovation Awareness Strategy and one of the innovators will win a study tour to the UK courtesy of the British Council Australia.

James got his idea when helping a family friend move his factory. He thought of all sorts of possibilities for silicon rubber—from coasters and table mats to registration stickers, disabled parking permits and city council permits, L plates and P plates.

About the Inventor:

James Shen is the founder and innovator of Epatch. He has taken out 4 patents and a trademark and has now been running Epatch for three years.

For interview or more information: James Shen 03 9809 2589 /0413 834 818

A water saver reminder that glows in the dark. Epatch can replace the cardboard triangles you have in hotels that ask guests to conserve water.
A cheerful reminder in the morning to brush without the tap running. .