First Defense Fentanyl Wipe Wins 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award

The award recognizes the product’s ability to provide immediate, presumptive detection of fentanyl through a simple, plant-based wipe. By leveraging research from The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, the team created a tool that identifies trace amounts of both street-level and laboratory-grade fentanyl. This development is specifically aimed at high-risk environments such as correctional facilities, airports, and schools, where personnel frequently encounter unknown substances.

Rockline Industries, which manufactured the product, emphasized that the wipe was designed to function in real-world scenarios where ease of use is critical for safety. Third-party testing has validated the wipe’s performance, demonstrating its utility for law enforcement, EMS, and military units. Ann Hull of Visual Detection Systems noted that the recognition marks a significant milestone in transitioning complex polymer research into a practical, field-ready solution for public safety professionals.