# Alternative Fill Designers are creating products that are filled with unlikely materials. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Feb 7, 2020 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-fill ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Alternative Fill trend? **Alternative Fill:** In the fashion, tech, and furniture industries, designers are bidding on alternative fills to drive performance, sustainability goals, and novelty. These substances vary in type—from nitrogen and flowers to holy water and clothes—capturing attention and driving product experience to a new level. ## The consumer insight behind the Alternative Fill trend With the exponential growth in the innovation sector for each industry, consumers have learned to expect the unexpected. As a result, individuals become fixated on pursuing products that offer a creative resolution or simply instill a strong sense of novelty. This curiosity motivates them to be consistent in their search for products that are shocking in nature and that will offer something unique that can be integrated into someone's personal brand. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 3 to Dec 10, 2019 - Published: Feb 7, 2020 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Alternative Fill trend ### Alternative Fills Designers in various industries are exploring alternative fills to improve performance, sustainability and drive novelty ### Upcycling Designers in fashion and furniture industries are creating products by repurposing discarded materials to offer something unique ### Eco-Friendly Materials Companies are introducing new environmentally friendly materials in the fashion industry to provide options for consumers looking for sustainable and vegan-friendly alternatives ## What the Alternative Fill trend means for industry ### For Fashion Alternative fills, upcycling, and eco-friendly materials are trends that are transforming the fashion industry and creating new opportunities for innovation ### For Tech Alternative fills for headphones are disrupting the audio tech industry through providing high-fidelity audio experience and Bone conduction technology advancements ### For Furniture Upcycling trend continues to create a new frontier of design opportunities for businesses looking to follow the trend of creating stylish sustainable pieces ## Workshop question What unexpected feature could you integrate in your product/service to drive consumer attention? ## Trend signals for Alternative Fill Trend score 6.2 out of 10, from popularity 93%, activity 85%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 93% - Activity: 85% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Alternative Fill trend 5 featured examples from Sep 3 to Dec 10, 2019. - [Nitrogen-Infused Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-720-ispa): The Nike Air Max 720 ISPA Sneakers are Inspired by the Zoom Turf (Category: Fashion) Implication: The use of nitrogen-infused technology and innovative cushioning systems in athletic footwear can disrupt the traditional comfort standards and attract customers seeking advanced… - [Holy Water-Filled Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jesus-shoes): The Nike Air Max 97 MSCHF x INRI Jesus Shoes are Custom-Modified (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new materials and construction techniques for footwear that offer unexpected and intriguing features, attracting consumers looking for d… - [Designer Clothing-Stuffed Sofas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-sofa): The Balenciaga Sofa by Harry Nuriev is Filled with Unused Garments (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity in the furniture industry by integrating fashion and sustainability into traditional home furnishing. - [Water-Filled Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inmergo-headphones): Rocco Giovannoni's Inmergo Headphones Provide an Immersive Experience (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovating the audio technology industry by developing advanced headphones with water-filled design and immersive omnidirectional sound. - [Flower-Filled Puffer Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pangaia-flwrdwn): The Pangaia FLWRDWN Material is Insulating and Eco-Friendly (Category: Eco) Implication: The Pangaia FLWRDWN material's development by a sustainable fashion brand demonstrates the potential for other companies in the fashion industry to innovate and adopt eco-friendly… ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [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) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)