Category
Tech
Metal Manufacturing
Trend cluster
Category
Eco-nomical
Previously expensive eco alternatives get an affordable overhaul for the masses.
5.4
Trend score
Trend
What is the Eco-nomical trend?
Eco-nomical: Eco alternatives are often associated with a higher price tag, but a variety of companies are expanding green offerings into the mass market with designs that are priced to suit any income bracket. As the eco movement becomes further ingrained in Western culture and consumers desire more than ever to become part of the trendy green movement, affordable eco innovations are allowing consumers on a budget to get involved, while also reinforcing that there are no reasons left not to adopt a lower impact lifestyle.
Trend themes
Themes within the Eco-nomical trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Affordable Eco Innovations
Companies are expanding green offerings into the mass market with designs that are priced to suit any income bracket.
02
DIY Home Decor
DIY items, such as the Flamingo Toes 'Silverware Mirror,' allow users to infuse their own personality into the design and create unique items on the cheap.
03
Sustainable Design for Disaster Resistance
Designers are creating affordable solutions to address natural disasters, such as Sustainable.TO's Hurricane-Proof Design for areas affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Industry implications
What the Eco-nomical trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Green Living
Companies that specialize in eco-friendly alternatives and devices, from coffee cups to cookstoves.
For
Furniture Retailers
Furniture makers who use recycled materials, such as the Karton Group, to create low-cost, easy-to-assemble furniture.
For
Architectural Design and Disaster Relief
Architectural design firms focused on disaster relief and creating sustainable, affordable housing solutions for disaster-prone areas.
Trend signals
Trend signals for Eco-nomical
Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 79%, activity 74%, freshness 8%.
Popularity79%
Activity74%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Evidence
Examples of the Eco-nomical trend
9 featured examples from Nov 8, 2011 to Sep 16, 2014CategoryEco
Inexpensive Disaster-Proof Homes
Sustainable.TO's Hurricane-Proof Design is a Competition Winner
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate resilient design principles and cost-effective materials to revolutionize construction practices.
CategoryEco
Cheap Cardboard Standing Desks
Zachary Rotholz of Chairigami Designs an Affordable Healthy Desk
The furniture industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities in affordable, sustainable and mass-produced office furniture designs to meet the demand of consumers who va…
CategoryEco
Eco Ballerina Attire
The Latest H&M Conscious Collection is Inspired by Dancer Fashions
Innovative opportunity for the fashion industry to design sustainable and trendy clothing lines that cater to environmentally conscious and stylish consumers.
CategoryArt & Design
Safer Developing Country Cookers
The Greenway Smart Stove Generates Less Smoke and Uses Less Fuel
The Greenway Smart Stove's use of less fuel and cleaner combustion makes it a disruptive innovation in renewable energy.
CategoryEco
Eco Infusing Cups
The Portable Brewing Mug Prepares Your Morning Beverage On the Go
The travel accessories industry can capitalize on the Portable Brewing Mug trend by developing innovative brewing solutions for users on the go.
CategoryArt & Design
DIY Kitchen Utensil Decor
The Flamingo Toes 'Silverware Mirror' is Adorable
DIY kits, customizable options, and playful designs can be incorporated into a variety of home decor products and services.
CategoryEco
Recycled Cardboard Lamps
These Eco-Conscious Lamps are Made Using Discarded Cardboard
The lighting industry can explore the disruptive innovation opportunities in creating eco-conscious lamps using recycled materials and minimalist designs.
CategoryEco
Slimming LED Light Bulbs
Phillips Introduces Energy Effiecent SlimStyle Light Bulbs
The slimming LED light bulbs trend can transform the lighting industry with the adoption of energy-efficient and long-lasting bulbs.
CategoryEco
Flat-Packed Furniture Companies
Karton Group Brings Low-Cost Cardboard Furniture to the Masses
Disruptive innovation opportunity for furniture manufacturers to explore the use of cardboard as a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials.
