# Alternative Casing Adding eco appeal, brands are turning to bizarre materials for packaging. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Dec 5, 2013 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-casing ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Alternative Casing trend? **Alternative Casing:** Adding both novelty and oftentimes an ecological upgrade to existing products, alternative forms of packaging are becoming more and more commonplace. In addition to piquing the interest of consumers, these materials also tend to inspire the packaging itself, creating even more shelf appeal. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 20 to Nov 15, 2013 - Published: Dec 5, 2013 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [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 ## Themes within the Alternative Casing trend ### Eco-Friendly Packaging Innovative eco-friendly packaging designs are giving brands an opportunity to create sustainability-focused brand messaging while reducing environmental impact. ### Use of Agricultural Waste Companies are increasingly focusing on utilizing agricultural waste in their production processes, which helps to reduce waste, costs, and reliance on non-renewable resources. ### Novelty Packaging Brands are looking to create packaging that not only performs its intended function, but also offers a unique consumer experience that sets them apart from competitors. ## What the Alternative Casing trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The food and beverage industry can benefit from eco-friendly packaging solutions to mitigate its impact on the environment and increase consumer appeal. ### For Consumer Packaging The consumer packaging industry has a large opportunity to shift to alternative, eco-friendly materials that offer unique consumer experiences while reducing waste production and environmental impact. ### For Manufacturing and Production Manufacturing and production industries can benefit greatly from the use of agricultural waste, presenting an opportunity to create sustainable and cost-efficient production cycles. ## Trend signals for Alternative Casing Trend score 5.9 out of 10, from popularity 93%, activity 76%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 93% - Activity: 76% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Alternative Casing trend 4 featured examples from Jan 20 to Nov 15, 2013. - [Plantable Food Packages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecofriendly-food-packaging): This Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Can be Used to Grow Herbs (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce biodegradable food packaging options that promote sustainability and encourage consumers to grow their own food. - [Coconut Shell Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/botia-nests-for-food): Botia Nests for Food Make Use of Organic Waste to Reduce Produce Losses (Category: Eco) Implication: The Botiá Nests for Food present an innovative opportunity for the food and agriculture industry to reduce produce losses during transportation. - [Mushroom Packing Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-packaging): New York Company Makes Packaging from Agricultural Waste and Mushrooms (Category: Social Good) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the packaging industry by introducing sustainable alternatives to Styrofoam and synthetic materials. - [Biodegradable Champagne Sheaths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/champagne-bottle-packaging): Naturally Clicquot is an Eco-Friendly Champagne Bottle Packaging (Category: Eco) Implication: The alcoholic beverages industry can explore the use of biodegradable and sustainable packaging to align with shifting consumer preferences and reduce environmental impact. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)