Newest research project will develop environmentally friendly graffiti remover

April 6, 2011

Oshawa, Ont. – As part of Durham College’s continuing commitment to establishing research partnerships with local businesses, the Office of Research Services and Innovation today announced a new research agreement with Hotwash Inc., a company based in Ajax, Ont., who will work with the college to develop and market the Gelled Green Graffiti Remover. The environmentally responsible cleaning product will be used to restore surfaces back to their original condition while minimizing damage.

The Gelled Green Graffiti Remover came about as a result of Hotwash Inc. employees who had sustained injuries from using other commercial graffiti removal products. Out of concern for their staff, the public and the environment, Hotwash collaborated with their chemical supplier, Bri-Jess Industries of Ajax to develop a safe, effective and environmentally friendly product to be used by Hotwash and other organizations.

Hotwash then approached the college’s Office of Research Services and Innovation for assistance in proof of principle testing. The partnership will allow the college to test and develop the product while offering Hotwash a unique commercialization opportunity. In addition to testing the product’s effectiveness, the research project will also test and analyze the Gelled Green Graffiti Remover to ensure that its components are non-toxic to the environment and the people who use it.

“The Office of Research Services and Innovation is pleased to welcome Hotwash Inc. as its newest partner in this intriguing and exciting research project,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, Office of Research Services and Innovation. “We value being able to focus on providing safe, green products to industrial customers. This collaboration is focused on both environmentally and financially responsible and effective business solutions.”

The project will be led by Maureen Calhoun, a professor with the School of Science & Engineering Technology and Chemical Engineering Technology program co-ordinator, with assistance from two students in the Chemical Engineering Technology program. Testing, analysis and product refinement will be completed during the project’s two-month timeline, with results presented in a formal study report to Hotwash Inc.

Based on the study’s findings and test results, Hotwash is hoping to add the Gelled Green Graffiti Remover to their business operations to enhance their ability to serve clients such as public facilities quickly and effectively in a safe manner, while potentially reducing repair and replacement costs.

“The resources at Durham College’s disposal are invaluable to a business of our type. Without the program and the wonderful staff running the department, we would have been greatly hampered in our efforts to take this product to market,” said Ed Gledhill, founder and president, Hotwash Inc. “It is a great feeling knowing that the resources are out there and others are genuinely concerned and driven to help develop a greener future.”

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, CONII is a consortium of more than 20 Ontario colleges dedicated to helping business and industry stay competitive in the global economy. In addition to providing support to businesses it also offers financial support to colleges, enabling them to provide quicker access to the expertise of Ontario’s top researchers and the most state-of-the-art equipment and research tools available.

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About Durham College
At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2010, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 7,500 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time, Second Career and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, energy, media, art, design, general arts and sciences, skilled trades, justice, emergency services and health care, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 and Phase 2, nearing completion, is creating expanded shop space for several building trades and will also feature two homes where students will learn about sustainable construction and building. Phase 3 will be a building focused on food, hospitality and tourism. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About Hotwash Inc.
Hotwash is a leading restoration and graffiti removal service utilizing and specializing in environmentally safe products. The Hotwash team is dedicated to fast, reliable service, proudly operating within Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area.

Media contact for Durham College:
Michelle Roebuck
Communications officer
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

Media contact for Hotwash Inc.:
Ed Gledhill
Founder and president
Hotwash Inc.
905.925.9274
ed@hotwash.ca

 

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