Trend cluster
Category

Flatpack
Food

The beverage and edibles industry is given a single-serve, foldable overhaul.

Flat-Pack Food ContainersRecyclable Cardboard Bottle CarriersFlat-Packed Chocolate Holiday TreesTented Olive Oil PackagingPop-Out Paper Shooters

Trend

What is the Flatpack Food trend?

Flatpack Food: Flatpacking, a.k.a RTA or KD, is a method conceived in the furniture industry that, because of its eco-friendliness, portability and efficiency, is leaking its way into other industries. Most recently, it has permeated the edibles industry by making foods and beverages easier to consume on the go. The idea lends to the consumer preference for efficiency in goods consumption and carting.

Trend themes

Themes within the Flatpack Food trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

Flatpacking

The trend of flatpacking or RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) from the furniture industry has moved to other consumer products like edibles and beverages, allowing for portability and efficiency.

02

Portable Packaging

Packaging designs for food and beverage items that are portable and convenient for the consumer, especially for on-the-go consumption.

03

Sustainable Packaging

The shift towards packaging that is eco-friendly, recyclable, and creates less waste, such as the use of cardboard for containers and foldable designs.

Industry implications

What the Flatpack Food trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Food and Beverage

This industry can explore the trend of portable and sustainable packaging for their products to align with the consumer preference for convenience and environmental consciousness.

For

Outdoor and Camping

Industries that cater to outdoor activities and camping can look into flatpack designs for their products, such as reusable containers and foldable seating, to provide practical and lightweight options for consumers.

For

Sweets and Confectionery

Packaging designs for confectionery items can explore the trend of unique and innovative packaging for an enhanced customer experience, such as the flat-packed chocolate holiday tree that offers an assembly experience.

Workshop question

Is there room for improved efficiency and eco-friendliness within your brands shipping practices?

Trend signals

Trend signals for Flatpack Food

Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 57%, activity 62%, freshness 8%.

Popularity57%
Activity62%
Freshness8%
Audience
30%Men
70%Women
  • Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X
  • Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific

Evidence

Examples of the Flatpack Food trend

8 featured examples from Feb 13, 2013 to Dec 7, 2015
Flat-Pack Food Containers
CategoryEco

Flat-Pack Food Containers

The Fold Project's Reusable Containers Offer an Alternative to Disposal

Opportunity for the food packaging industry to develop innovative, collapsible containers that reduce waste and enhance convenience.

Recyclable Cardboard Bottle Carriers
CategoryLifestyle

Recyclable Cardboard Bottle Carriers

These Cardboard Container Designs Are Extremely Eco-Friendly

The food and beverage industry can leverage the use of recyclable cardboard packaging and minimalistic branding to attract consumers who prioritize sustainability.

Flat-Packed Chocolate Holiday Trees
CategoryLifestyle

Flat-Packed Chocolate Holiday Trees

This Chocolate Christmas Tree Boasts a Clever Shipping Scheme

E-commerce businesses can adopt flat-packed shipping packaging to optimize their shipping processes and provide a unique unboxing experience to customers.

Tented Olive Oil Packaging
CategoryArt & Design

Tented Olive Oil Packaging

The Unrefined Olive's Olive Oil Package is Practical and Eco-Friendly

Businesses in the food and beverage industry could benefit from the implementation of eco-friendly packaging solutions and adaptable designs to improve their sustainability and ap…

Pop-Out Paper Shooters
CategoryLifestyle

Pop-Out Paper Shooters

The Emergency Shot Glass Card Provides an Easy-To-Make Drinking Option

The gift and novelty industry can capitalize on the trend of novelty gifting by creating unique products like the Emergency Shot Glass card.

Protective Banana Packaging
CategoryLifestyle

Protective Banana Packaging

This Foldable Packaging Securely Holds a Single Banana

There is opportunity in the food industry to offer more sustainable options for packaging that can be recycled or made from eco-friendly materials.

Basic Beer-Style Vinos
CategoryLifestyle

Basic Beer-Style Vinos

Red Meat Wine Packaging was Conceived with a Casual Approach

The wine packaging industry can leverage the trend of casual wine packaging by exploring new materials, designs and packaging technologies that appeal to a more relaxed and casual…

Pop-Up Paper Coffee Mugs
CategoryMarketing

Pop-Up Paper Coffee Mugs

Nescafe Equipped Newspapers with Two Cups to Start Conversations

Exploring new ways to provide unique and convenient food and beverage experiences to consumers.