'I met the developer'

Formulation Science students (from left) Mcquillan Moyo, Sindisiwe Bala, Angel Magudulela, Michelle Jacobs, Wesiwe Stephen, Ndumi Koza, Nandipa Nelani, Asanda Sihewula, Cloudius Sagandira

It astounds me what students come up with when no-one is watching. They develop products such as surface cleaner, wood oil preservative, environmentally friendly varnish, novel plasticisers, headlamp restorers and hair products.

Guest blogger Roslyn Baatjies

Talking to each of the product developers at the BSc (Hons) Formulation Science product exhibition, I learned how passionate they are about the course and their final product. For some of them, perfection is the only option, and they will further develop the products.

The entire setting was professional - from how they were dressed, to their presentation table to having product samples and flyers available. They knew their product – they developed it after all – and answered all the questions about it; and added additional information.

Not many of us would bring automotive paint and the eucalyptus tree together. That is exactly what Plascon employee Ndumi Koza did. Her product, Bio plasticizer EUCITREE, is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, it improves inter-coat adhesion between paint film and prevents the automotive paint from chipping. The mother of two says the journey has been challenging; yet rewarding.

Made from essentials oils like geranium and tea tree Zimbabwean student Mcquillan Moyo’s McClean surface cleaner is a one-stop kitchen hygiene solution. He explained to me that the product distinguishes itself from others because the essential oils inhibits the growth of bacteria; thus disinfecting the surfaces.

In her research, Michelle Jacobs asked if people ever get annoyed by the smell of paint and how sure they are that the paint they apply to their walls and trims is safe for the family. Keeping the safety aspect in mind she developed a superior quality varnish for interior use. Easy to apply with a glossy durable finish and no odour, it makes it suitable for all interior wood surfaces.

And as I listened to Sindisiwe Bala, Angel Magudulela, Wesiwe Stephen, Nandipa Nelani, Asanda Sihewula and Cloudius Sagandira explain their products to me, I realised that if they keep it up they are headed for the big time.

I tried to get samples of the products but left with nothing because they were watching. But when I see it on the shelves in the future, I will be able to say “I met the developer”.