# Algae Chic Fashion designers are introducing algae as a sustainable textile in their collections. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Oct 31, 2019 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/algae-chic ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Algae Chic trend? **Algae Chic:** Fabrics derived from algae have a low environmental impact and the material's potential is just beginning to be explored by the fashion and footwear industry—as designers are on the lookout for sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable resources. ## The consumer insight behind the Algae Chic trend As the environmental implications of the fashion industry become better known, some consumers are actively boycotting fast fashion and looking for alternatives. Eco-minded shoppers want to be sustainable beyond reuse as many realize the downfalls of recycling—improper disposal, for example. As a result, sustainable fabrics that leave no evidence behind post-use are favored. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 12 to Oct 24, 2019 - Published: Oct 31, 2019 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Algae Chic trend ### Algae-based fabrics Fashion and footwear designers are exploring the potential of algae-based fabrics for sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable resources. ### Plant-based materials Brands are using plant-based materials such as algae, pineapple leaves, citrus peel and renewable field corn to create more eco-friendly clothing and footwear products. ### Biodegradable design Designers are prioritizing biodegradable materials and circular design, creating products that can break down naturally and leave minimal waste behind post-use. ## What the Algae Chic trend means for industry ### For Fashion The fashion industry is exploring the use of sustainable plant-based materials as alternatives to fast fashion and traditional textiles. ### For Footwear Footwear brands are incorporating algae and other plant-based materials to create more sustainable and eco-friendly products. ### For Circular Economy Designers and brands are focusing on a circular approach to product design, creating products that are biodegradable and leave no evidence behind post-use. ## Workshop question What biodegradable material can be implemented in your product or service? ## Trend signals for Algae Chic Trend score 5.9 out of 10, from popularity 86%, activity 84%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 86% - Activity: 84% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Algae Chic trend 4 featured examples from Apr 12 to Oct 24, 2019. - [Plant-Based Performance Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-shoe): VIVOBAREFOOT's Primus Lite II Bio is Made with Renewable Materials (Category: Eco) Implication: Footwear companies looking to appeal to eco-conscious consumers can innovate by using renewable and sustainable materials in their products. - [Plant-Based Spring Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hm-conscious-collection): The H&M Conscious Collection Features Innovative, Sustainable Materials (Category: Eco) Implication: The fashion industry can benefit from adopting sustainable practices, eco-friendly materials and a circular economy approach. - [Algae-Enriched Foam Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/native-shoes-sneakers): Native Shoes' Sneakers are Made with a Single Piece of Foam (Category: Eco) Implication: The footwear industry can explore the use of algae-enriched foam to create sustainable and high-performance products. - [Biodegradable Plant-Based Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-and-algae-tshirt): Vollebak's Plant and Algae T-Shirt Becomes Worm Food in 12 Weeks (Category: Eco) Implication: The fashion industry can capitalize on the trend of biodegradable clothing by developing innovative and sustainable designs. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)