Execution

The timeline began in September of 2016 with multiple rounds of design, followed by a global sourcing of a manufacturer. April of 2016 - we finalised a manufacturer in Florida, USA. April - November - we went through three rounds of physical samples with the manufacturer. December 2017 - we initiated a pilot program with Monash University where we distributed wristbands at end of exams parties. At these events we conducted research and sought feedback from our target audience. April 2018 - With a refined design we launched a large program of activations on Monash University campuses. April 2018 onwards - Dealing with the success of the launch and attention created we are rapidly progressing with our corporate lawyers to progress the product and make Sip Safe a self-sustaining product.

The Campaign

The wristband is functionally a strip of PH neutral paper that has been treated with chemical reagents in two specific areas. The wearer simply puts a drop of their drink onto two spots on the wristband and in a short amount of time it will react to the presence of one of two drugs used in drink spiking - specifically ketamine and GHB. The Sip Safe wristband was adapted from a drink test coaster created to fit seamlessly into a youth environment and with a recognisable test design, simply wearing the Sip Safe wristband provides a visual deterrent to any would be drink spiker. The design of the wristband can also incorporate the logos of any brand, nightclub or festival to gain greater traction and uptake in a youth environment. At present a wristband option with 3 sets of test areas is being researched for future implementation.

Creative Execution

The wristband is functionally a strip of PH neutral paper that has been treated with chemical reagents in two specific areas. The wearer simply puts a drop of their drink onto two spots on the wristband and in a short amount of time it will react to the presence of one of two drugs used in drink spiking - specifically ketamine and GHB. This thick paper strip has an adhesive on one end allowing it to fasten around the wrist. The use of thick paper allows the wristband to be economical and recyclable making it easy for venues to have a ready supply on hand. The Sip Safe wristband was created to fit seamlessly into a youth environment and with a recognisable test design, simply wearing the Sip Safe wristband provides a visual deterrent to any would be drink spiker. The design of the wristband can also incorporate the logos of any brand, nightclub or festival to gain greater traction and uptake in a youth environment. At present a wristband option with 3 sets of test areas is being researched for future implementation.

The results to date have been nothing short of remarkable. In the space of six months we have launched a product to some of the most vulnerable young people, refined the product, begun an ongoing program around university campuses where more than 6,000 wristbands have been distributed as well as garnered international attention to drive further sales. We've also established connections with venue safety advocates to drive further sales within the bar/club industry. In an important piece of feedback, we conducted a university survey after launching on campuses. The survey showed 89.5% of students have a greater awareness of drink safety after engaging with Sip Safe. Recently we have been engaged by major festival organisers on both a national level and a global level. The Sip Safe product is being prepared as a marketing and care-taking initiative for major alcohol brands that sponsor music festivals.

With the intention to prevent drink spiking we assessed what measures were currently available. In recent years there have been news stories of cups, nail polish and straws that can test for drugs in drinks. However, these never seem to make it beyond a prototype stage. We discovered a drink coaster test was available and after observing that young people are accustomed to wearing wristbands at festivals and other events, we took the innovative step of putting a drink test into a wearable paper wristband.