Needlestick and puncture-resistant materials for enhanced nuclear safety

Decommissioning work at Sellafield requires the handling of hazardous materials in confined environments such as gloveboxes. Current equipment is increasingly strained under the demands of modern decommissioning tasks. Sellafield Ltd currently uses approximately 200–250 gauntlets per month in addition to containment bags and lay-down sheets that are essential for the safe handling and transport of sharp or contaminated materials.

There is an urgent need for next-generation materials capable of providing enhanced protection. Sellafield Ltd is seeking to collaborate with innovators and suppliers to accelerate the development, testing, and deployment of novel materials for use in gauntlets, containment bags and lay-down sheets. Register to find out more.

CHALLENGE AIMS

This challenge aims to enhance operator safety by identifying and developing needlestick and puncture-resistant materials for use in gauntlets, as well as other protective equipment such as containment bags and lay-down sheets. These materials must provide superior puncture resistance while maintaining dexterity in gauntlets, tear resistance and avoiding additional weight or bulk.

While Sellafield Ltd can offer guidance on sizing and manufacturing specifications, the primary focus is on materials that can be effectively transformed into functional, puncture-resistant gauntlets and related equipment. Proposals should include evidence of the materials’ protective capabilities along with plans for their development into the requested items.

Within your application, please clearly specify which item(s) your solution addresses – gauntlets, containment bags, lay-down sheets, or a combination of these.

FIND OUT MORE

Please download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.

An interactive webinar will take place at 2pm (GMT) on Tuesday 18th November 2025 where delegates will have the chance to hear directly from the challenge owners and ask any questions. Register here for free.

The deadline for applications for this challenge is 3pm (GMT) on Tuesday 2nd December 2025.

ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS

Applications are reviewed against set criteria by a panel of challenge owners, prospective end‐users from our partner organisations, and Game Changers project staff. Brief summary feedback will be provided if your project is not awarded feasibility funding.

Application forms and posters will be assessed consistently and transparently using the following criteria:

1. How well does the application align with the challenge aims?
2. Is the proposed solution credible from the perspective of deployment?
3. What potential does the proposed solution have to transform practice in your area?
4. Do you feel the applicant is well placed to deliver a feasibility project?
5. Would the solution proposed in the application benefit from feasibility funding?
6. Does the application meet the scope of the challenge?