Eco Consumer Insights

Trend - Increasingly, brands are introducing cotton-based sports apparel, aligning with consumer preferences for natural, sustainable, and safer clothing options. This shift to cotton activewear responds to an increased consumer demand for alternatives to synthetic fabrics.

Insight - The trend toward natural fibers in activewear reflects a broader consumer shift within the wellness and personal care industries towards products that are natural, non-toxic, and sustainable. This preference arises from a growing consumer awareness of the health and environmental risks associated with synthetic materials, notably the release of microplastics. As consumers become increasingly concerned about these impacts on both personal health and the environment, there's a heightened demand for activewear that aligns with these eco-conscious values.

Trend - Deodorant stones, crafted from natural mineral crystals like potassium alum, are marking a significant shift in personal care preferences towards natural and sustainable alternatives. These stones, praised for their absence of synthetic fragrances and aluminum, cater to a growing consumer base seeking transparency and minimalism in their hygiene products.

Insight - Driven by a heightened awareness of potential health and environmental concerns linked to traditional formulations, the shift towards aluminum-free, unscented personal care solutions is becoming more commonplace. This reflects a broader cultural shift – a yearning for simplicity, transparency, and sustainability. Consumers seek cleaner routines and prioritize natural ingredients for holistic well-being, shaping a future where personal care choices are guided by both health and the planet.

Trend - Electric bicycle manufacturers are using bamboo in place of aluminum for frames to improve sustainability. Bamboo is lightweight and malleable for bike frames, while also being biodegradable. By using bamboo, brands are aiming to reduce their carbon footprints and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Insight - Each year, more consumers turn to electric micro-mobility solutions rather than gas-powered vehicles. This is often due to rising costs of gas, dense traffic, and environmental concerns. This has led to an increased amount of micromobility repair stores, as well as increased development of public charging infrastructure to mitigate battery constraints. In recognition of this environmental trend, bike brands are furthering their sustainability by turning to materials such as wood and bamboo.

Trend - Brands in the 3D printing space are releasing materials that prioritize sustainability without compromising on function. The sustainability ranges from including renewable resources, such as wood or plant-based fibres, to using energy-efficient, low-emission production systems.

Insight - 3D printing is continually increasing in popularity not only in industrial applications, but also with hobbyist consumers. However, as the industry continues to expand, it continues to attract more attention from environmental regulators and consumers due to the unrenewable nature of most plastic-based filaments. Brands are recognizing the public and private desires for sustainable materials, and in response are investing in renewable materials and energies.

Trend - Consumers are holding brands accountable for their environmental impact, driving a shift towards eco-action. This goes beyond mere greenwashing and performative gestures. Social media empowers consumers to expose greenwashing, demand transparency, and advocate for sustainable practices.

Insight - Fueled by heightened environmental awareness, shifting priorities towards sustainability values, and rising skepticism of greenwashing, consumers are demanding eco-action, not apology. Social media empowers them to expose greenwashing, demand transparency, and advocate for sustainable practices. This eco-accountability trend necessitates brands to demonstrate genuine commitment and systemic changes to address their environmental footprint and build a more sustainable future. Failure to adapt risks public scrutiny and market contraction in the face of empowered, eco-conscious consumers.

Trend - Brands are debuting digital records that provide information about a product throughout its lifecycle. These records include details about the product's lifespan, from production to recycling guidelines, and help consumers understand the sustainability of the product to inform purchasing decisions.

Insight - Concerns over climate change and pollution have prompted eco-conscious consumers to actively seek solutions for mitigation. This has prompted brands to provide direct guidance on proper product disposal and material recycling upon purchase to minimize waste and preserve resources. Businesses that offer easily accessible and tangible demonstrations of sustainable practices can attract consumers who seek direct ways to support environmental causes.

Trend - Brands are launching new devices and tools to transform laundry microfibers into new products, contributing to sustainability efforts in the textile industry. By redelivering these textiles back to manufacturers, they can be repurposed to benefit multiple industries and applications.

Insight - Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint and subsequently seek products that reduce the impacts. Upcycling textiles empowers consumers to engage directly in waste reduction and the generation of new products, appealing to those who wish to mitigate the environmental consequences of their consumption habits. Businesses that cater to consumer demand for circular products can appeal to shoppers who wish to support brands that align with their sustainability values.

Trend - On social media, especially platforms like TikTok, the "de-influencing" trend is gaining traction. This movement flips the script on traditional influencer marketing by encouraging users to critically analyze trending products and resist impulsive purchases. De-influencers often expose potential drawbacks of popular items, prompting a shift in consumer behavior. As this movement gains traction, brands are strategically engaging in de-influencing campaigns to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices.

Insight - Social media's relentless promotion of consumption fuels the "de-influencing" movement, as consumers grapple with the paradox of acquiring "sustainable" products that may still contribute to environmental problems. This growing awareness prompts a reevaluation of what truly brings fulfillment and a critical examination of the beneficiaries within the endless consumption cycle – primarily large corporations – and the costs borne by both consumers and the environment. Interestingly, this shift in consumer behavior has the potential to redefine the very nature of brand loyalty in the digital age.

Trend - Businesses are using custom packaging that reduces moisture levels with custom materials that do not require desiccant packets. These packaging materials are more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional plastic packages while having active moisture-reducing qualities that protect contents.

Insight - Brands that sell moisture-sensitive products, such as textiles, F&B, or electronics, are tasked with ensuring their products are sufficiently protected while maintaining low packaging costs and adhering to sustainability goals. These complex desires are leading to material science companies creating new solutions that aim to replace traditional packaging methods. Brands that partner with these material manufacturers can differentiate themselves from competitors and more quickly achieve goals.

Trend - As solid cleansers become more popular for their sustainability, the industry is seeing a rise in "single-dose" solid cleansing products, ranging from oil spheres to cleansing tablets. These items offer precise doses per use, diverging from other solid cleansers like bars and powdered soap.

Insight - People are increasingly looking to reduce their environmental impact--whether it's through using less, or buying from sustainable brands. Single-use items are typically not aligned with eco standards, but in the skincare industry factors such as convenience, travel, and product preservation are also crucial considerations. Skincare brands that merge convenience with sustainability in single-use products are increasingly appealing to busy customers, while also hastening the rate of repurchase.