In 1996 Heather Kitching (then Davies) invented the concept of the first weldable zip toothed fastener which would allow polythene to be reused in logistical operations. The idea that at first seemed so simple Heather discounted it, bloomed into a potentially successful commercial possibility, for which a patent was required.
Heather filed her first patent application in 1997. However funding was needed to pay for both future and international patents and Heather also lacked the industry knowledge to push her ideas to their full potential. These problems were addressed when Heather was introduced to Alistair Kitching of IBC Recovery Services. Alistair´s in-depth knowledge of reusing packaging was of significant value to Heather´s ideas and in 1998, they applied for a PCT (Patent Co-operation Treaty). Together they researched the market fully, travelling the length and breadth of the country to uncover and understand the problem of disposable packaging.
Having discovered several market needs, Heather and Alistair had to find companies that would turn their ideas into useable products. Having produced prototypes and samples, Heather and Alistair licensed their technology to a major packaging company. Unfortunately this venture was unsuccessful. The newly appointed licensee was found in breach of 7 clauses of its eight-month old agreement. Further, Heather´s technology was used to make a product that was not licensed. Having no choice but to withdraw from the contract, Heather and Alistair took legal council and promptly removed the manufacturing, distribution and sales license.
It took a further four years to licence the technology and find the right manufacturers.
The year 2000 was a successful one for Heather personally, who was ecstatic to be awarded the title of Female Innovator of the Year on 4th February, and going on to become the first woman to win the Tomorrow´s World Best British Invention and Entrepreneur of the Year Award (read more about this in Awards). Also in 2000, came the preliminary examinations of patent applications.
In 2003 patents were granted in the US, UK, EU, Australia and Japan.