<!-- canonical: https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-packaging -->
<!-- robots: noindex -->

# Post-Consumption Packaging
Packaging designs boast post-consumption uses unrelated to the product.

By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Nov 24, 2015 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-packaging

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 3.8/10
- Evidence articles: 5

## What is the Post-Consumption Packaging trend?

**Post-Consumption Packaging:** Brands are experimenting with earth-friendly branding opportunities by commissioning packaging designs with unexpected post-consumption uses. Although dual-purpose packaging is not new, the insistence on providing inventive uses for packaging unrelated to the purchased product is what sets this pattern apart. This progression speaks to the popularity of maker culture and the opportunity to delight consumers by inserting unexpected extras into product interaction.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 5 featured examples
- Articles from: Nov 10, 2014 to Dec 3, 2015
- Published: Nov 24, 2015
- Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection)
- Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience)

## Audience

- Gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia

## Themes within the Post-Consumption Packaging trend

### Sustainable packaging

Brands are exploring the use of packaging designs with post-consumption uses to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

### Dual-purpose packaging

Designers are creating packaging that can be upcycled to work alongside existing household items, delighting consumers by inserting unexpected extras into product interaction.

### Interactive packaging

Companies are using packaging technology to offer entertainment experiences in conjunction with their products, such as Pizza Hut's Blockbuster Pizza Box with a built-in projector.

## What the Post-Consumption Packaging trend means for industry

### For Packaging industry

The packaging industry can create innovative solutions by embracing the concept of sustainable packaging or expanding the functionality of packaging materials.

### For Entertainment industry

The entertainment industry can explore using interactive packaging, such as Pizza Hut's projector box, to enhance consumer experiences with their products.

### For Consumer electronics

The use of packaging technology for interactive designs, such as Nutri-Grain's BOLT cereal box virtual reality headset, presents opportunities for innovation within the consumer electronics industry.

## Workshop question

How can you present a sustainable aspect to your brand by creating dual usage packaging?

## Trend signals for Post-Consumption Packaging

Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 56%, activity 49%, freshness 8%.

- Popularity: 56%
- Activity: 49%
- Freshness: 8%

## Examples of the Post-Consumption Packaging trend

5 featured examples from Nov 10, 2014 to Dec 3, 2015.

- [Pizza Box Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pizza-hut): Pizza Hut Creates Dual-Purpose Packaging That Marries Food and Entertainment (Category: Eco)
  Implication: Food brands can explore innovative packaging solutions to enhance customer satisfaction and drive brand loyalty.
- [Responsible Kite Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kite-packaging): Lily Li's Versatile Design Can be Repurposed as Storage and Supplies (Category: Eco)
  Implication: Designing packaging solutions that enhance functionality and sustainability.
- [Multipurpose Oil Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oil-bottle-packaging): This Oil Bottle Packaging Transforms into a Light Fixture (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Brands in the CPG industry can explore innovative packaging designs that have secondary utility to enhance consumer engagement.
- [VR Cereal Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/experience-virtual-reality): Nutri-Grain's BOLT Cereal Box Lets People Experience Virtual Reality (Category: Marketing)
  Implication: Food and beverage companies can leverage VR cereal boxes as a marketing tool to elevate their brand perception and create memorable experiences for customers.
- [Foldable Book Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-novel): 'This Book is a Camera' Pop-Up Novel Pages Creatively Turn into the Device (Category: Art & Design)
  Implication: Publishers and authors could utilize this technology to enhance storytelling by incorporating interactive elements to their books.

## 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)
