Eco Architecture Consumer Insights

Trend - Researchers from universities and construction-focused startups are developing new methods or materials for 3D printing in the architectural space. This is leading to brick, wood, and glass solutions for customizable, scalable home home construction with a reduced environmental impact.

Insight - While home construction companies have become quick and efficient at building homes at-scale, particularly when the homes share similar designs, these companies often receive backlash due to the environmental impact of the large gas-powered construction vehicles, the excess materials, and the damage caused to the surrounding area. This has caused companies to invest in solutions for more eco-friendly options that do not compromise on scalability or customization, leading to 3D printed solutions.

Trend - Appliance companies are releasing countertop composters designed for the kitchen. These composters accept food waste and paper-based products, which they then transform into usable fertilizers. These feature tight seals to keep scents trapped, and removable components for easy maintenance.

Insight - Environmentally-conscious consumers are acutely aware of the amount of food waste they produce. Often, these consumers will opt for products with both eco-friendly ingredients and packaging. However, discarding such packaging and producing food waste are still inevitable in the kitchen. For consumers who would like to further reduce their environmental footprint in the kitchen, brands are creating countertop composters that enable these consumers to see their eco-friendly impact in real-time.

Trend - Self-care products are being offered in aluminum cans to enhance sustainability. Often coupled with refillable designs, these cans reduce packaging costs and are nearly infinitely recyclable. Additionally, the resilience of aluminum packaging simplifies shipping and logistics systems.

Insight - The majority of consumer cosmetic products are packaged in bright plastic cases. Consumers in this space are accustomed to these designs. However, they are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of single-use plastics, and as a result, are now gravitating toward more sustainable solutions, such as refillable or recyclable packages. Brands in the self-care and beauty industries are recognizing the ever-increasing importance of sustainable packaging, and are turning to aluminum.

Trend - Self-care brands are packaging products in paper-based cartons. These cartons are capable of holding liquid substances without deteriorating, making them perfect for dishsoaps, shampoos, and more. These cartons have lower carbon footprints and are easier to recycle by the end user.

Insight - Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the products they consume. In particular, the health and beauty industry often receives pushback for wasteful and environmentally-destructive practices. As such, these consumers are voting with their dollars, opting for products with eco-friendly labels and recyclable packaging over traditional alternatives. Brands in the space are becoming aware of this, and are engaging in more sustainable product-related practices.

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 - 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 - Businesses are partnering with sustainable development companies, or launching research divisions, to craft carbon-neutral or negative offices. These buildings use renewable energies and sustainable materials as part of carbon offsetting measures—resulting in tax benefits and lower operation costs.

Insight - Large businesses, particularly those connected to large product supply chains, are increasingly receiving pressure from regulating bodies and environmental NGOs to become more sustainable. These businesses are beginning to monitor each part of their operations to identify areas that can be improved to reduce their emissions. As a result, many businesses have chosen infrastructure as a focus for eco-efforts. Businesses that invest in these shifts improve their image while appeasing regulators.

Trend - Distilleries are using grapes and grape pomace intended to be discarded to make new drinks. These drinks include Wines and Piquettes, and are new collections marketed as eco-forward additions to the wine industry. These drinks reduce and in some cases eliminate waste from wine production systems.

Insight - Younger millenial and Gen Z consumers are becoming more aware of their passive environmental impact each year, with many looking to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, provided these do not come with significant compromises. One such area that consumers are prioritizing sustainability in is food and drink, increasingly opting for products that avoid single-use plastics and damaging ingredients. Alcohol brands are recognizing these priorities and are looking into more sustainable practices.

Trend - Brands in the textile industry are launching new fabric materials made from recovered and upcycled ocean-bound plastics. These textiles help reduce waste while offering affordable products for related industries, such as hospitality and fashion—resulting in durable and sustainable alternatives.

Insight - Industries that rely on textiles face large amounts of waste each year, which is increasingly drawing attention from environmental activist groups and government regulators. These industries, namely the hospitality and fashion industries, are tasked with finding ways to hit sustainability goals without sacrificing the quality of experiences for their customers. This is leading to businesses placing pressure on their suppliers, or on new suppliers, to provide sustainability-first products.

Trend - Beverage companies are introducing carbon-negative products that go beyond carbon offsetting or carbon neutrality. These beverages use sustainable packaging and renewable energies in production to drastically reduce the carbon footprint and positively impact the environment.

Insight - With each year that passes, businesses face more pressure to become more sustainable—both from governments and NGOs. These businesses desire a way to remain competitive as environmental pressures arise, leading to a need to shift away from environmentally damaging practices. Businesses that implement these changes are able to demonstrate their values to like-minded consumers, and can effectively differentiate themselves from competitors.