# Eco Activation Pop-up branding takes on environmentally friendly causes. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 6, 2018 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/eco-activation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.5/10 - Evidence articles: 10 ## What is the Eco Activation trend? **Eco Activation:** Brands are beginning to better channel the attention that pop-ups garner by coupling them with eco-friendly initiatives–expanding the reach of both the products, and the causes those products are aligned with. These new pop-up experiences come as consumers increasingly seek out purpose-based brand alignment, in which their values are met with brands that understand and empower them. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 10 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 15, 2016 to Apr 2, 2019 - Published: Feb 6, 2018 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [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, Africa ## Themes within the Eco Activation trend ### Eco Pop-Ups More brands are coupling pop-ups with eco-friendly initiatives to expand their reach and align their products with consumer values. Trending elements include cardboard tube design, coal-made desserts, plant-based faux fur and zero-waste cafes. ### Modular Pop-Ups The rise in modular pop-ups has emerged in response to brands looking for more efficient methods of engaging with consumers that don't require extensive planning or infrastructure to implement. Emerging views range from futurist food production to towable hotels, or even eight bike capacity racks. ### Anti-Pollution Pop-Ups In an effort to bring awareness to important issues, some pop-ups are producing art installations, stores or galleries that exclusively feature items made from pollution capturing devices. Thus indicating an emerging space of increasing awareness towards air quality and sustainability. ## What the Eco Activation trend means for industry ### For Eco-Friendly Retail Sustainability and eco-awareness is a growing trend in the retail industry. Brand conscious and socially responsible consumers are seeking out eco-friendly products. Businesses and industries that adapt to meet these demands stand to profit and increase consumer trust. ### For Luxury Hospitality Modular/temporary lodging and other luxury experiences like pop-up boutiques, stores and hotels are all increasingly being viewed as desirable ways to rapidly meet consumer needs. Established companies and newcomers who could pioneer such trends might see an increase in profit as more consumers grow accustomed to this form of luxury. ### For Urban Planning The trend in temporary pop-up infrastructure, like bike racks and modular kiosks, call to attention the need for increasing innovation in the field of urban development. Businesses and professionals in these fields can benefit from these trends by creating products and services that help cities become more efficient in use of space, offering eco-friendlier options and promoting safe transportation alternatives. ## Workshop question How can your brand better align itself with its customers' most revered values? ## Trend signals for Eco Activation Trend score 6.5 out of 10, from popularity 95%, activity 92%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 95% - Activity: 92% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Eco Activation trend 10 featured examples from Mar 15, 2016 to Apr 2, 2019. - [Towable Pop-Up Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-hotels-towable-tiny-houses): The 'Pop-Up Hotel' Explores Opportunities in Flexible Outdoor Lodging (Category: Eco) Implication: Integrating the trend of flexible outdoor lodging in the hospitality industry to provide unique experiences for guests. - [Futuristic Food Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space10): IKEA's 'Space10' Lab is Opening a Six Day Food Production Pop-Up (Category: Eco) Implication: The use of computerized automation in food production could revolutionize the agriculture industry. - [Pop-Up Paper Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-up-food): This Pop Up Food and Drink Venue in Sydney Uses Cardboard Tubes for Design (Category: Eco) Implication: Partnering with eco-friendly vendors to create unique event spaces with sustainable materials. - [Pop-Up Bike Racks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-bike-rack): Union and Natwerk Bring Additional Bike-Friendly Infrastructure to Amsterdam (Category: Autos) Implication: Manufacturing innovative bike racks and accessories to cater to the growing demand for bike-friendly infrastructure. - [Waste-Reducing Cafe Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lush-x-change-please): The Lush x Change Please Pop-Up Discourages Single-Use Plastic Waste (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore opportunities to develop and market reusable and sustainable alternatives to reduce single-use plastic waste. - [Zero-Waste Cafe Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zerowaste-cafe): Ecover's Cafe Will Only Accept Recyclable Plastic as Payment (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industry can leverage zero-waste dining concepts to cater to eco-conscious consumers and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. - [Coal-Made Dessert Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coal-comforts): 'Coal Comforts' Seeks to Make a Point About Climate Change (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore the use of alternative ingredients, like coal, to create unique and unconventional products that cater to changing consumer demands. - [Modular Eco Activation Kiosks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-kiosks): The 'Cubox' Pop-Up Kiosks Have a Customizable Interior (Category: Eco) Implication: Modular pop-up kiosks offer a flexible and customizable solution to experiential marketing for different brands to engage with their customers. - [Polluted Art Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-up-gallery): This Pop-Up Gallery Exclusively Features Art Made with Air Pollution (Category: Eco) Implication: Incorporating air pollution art into mainstream art galleries, creating new marketing opportunities and attracting eco-conscious consumers. - [Pop-Up Faux Fur Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/faux-fur-shop): 'House of Fluff' Created a Cruelty-Free Fur Store in NYC (Category: Eco) Implication: Integrating pop-up stores that focus on cruelty-free and sustainable fashion, attracting conscious consumers in search of ethical alternatives. ## 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)