# High-Design Stationery Designers are creating pens that are sustainable in unexpected ways. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Feb 13, 2020 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/highdesign-stationery ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the High-Design Stationery trend? **High-Design Stationery:** Designers are troubleshooting a variety of methods and materials to make the most functional and sustainable writing utensils. Often used as advocacy for environmental awareness, these innovations can come with an unexpected twist that is associated with the idea of curbing waste. ## The consumer insight behind the High-Design Stationery trend Those who still have a preference for analog over digital are interested in diminishing their carbon footprint as much as possible and their attention turns to product innovations that allow them to do so seamlessly. As tensions about climate change rise, consumers feel that the action of recycling might not be a good enough alternative and as a result, look for better eco-friendly solutions. This does not only diminish the guilt that one might experience when choosing analog, but it can also allow consumers to feel proud about their lifestyle choices. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 15, 2018 to Oct 31, 2019 - Published: Feb 13, 2020 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [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 High-Design Stationery trend ### Eco-Friendly Stationery Designers are troubleshooting a variety of methods and materials to make the most functional and sustainable writing utensils. ### Recycling and Upcycling as a Challenge Due to the tension on reducing waste and diminishing carbon footprint, designers are looking for better eco-friendly solutions to craft modern and functional products. ### Sustainability Through Innovation New technologies, such as 3D printing and bioplastics, are facilitating more mindful production practices for eco-friendly designs. ## What the High-Design Stationery trend means for industry ### For Office Supplies The advancement of eco-friendly stationery is creating opportunities towards producing innovative office supplies. ### For Technology The challenge to create plastic-free and eco-friendly pieces of technology, such as smartphones and speakers, stimulates innovation in the technology industry. ### For Fashion and Design Designers are finding creatively rebellious ways to use upcycling and sustainable materials into their fashion and accessories designs. ## Workshop question How could your brand/service embrace sustainability in a bold way that will capture the interest of consumers? ## Trend signals for High-Design Stationery Trend score 4.9 out of 10, from popularity 74%, activity 66%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 74% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the High-Design Stationery trend 5 featured examples from Jun 15, 2018 to Oct 31, 2019. - [Plastic-Free Tech Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-design): Mario Alessiani Purposely Crafted Modern Objects Without Plastic (Category: Eco) Implication: The technology industry has an opportunity to adopt plastic-free designs, reducing electronic waste and appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers. - [Recycled Limited Edition Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limited-edition-pen): Caran d’Ache's Partnership with Nespresso Boasts a 849 Ballpoint Pen (Category: Eco) Implication: Companies within the writing industry can explore the use of recycled and upcycled materials for creating eco-friendly products. - [3D-Printed Stationery Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stationery-line): Batch.works Produces Biodegradable Stationery for Paperchase (Category: Eco) Implication: The stationery industry can capitalize on the trend towards sustainable and biodegradable products by investing in eco-friendly materials and production methods. - [Human Sewage-Derived Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sum-waste): Garrett Benisch Presents the Sum Waste Pen Which Relies on Biosolids Use (Category: Eco) Implication: Creating new design processes and manufacturing techniques to incorporate sustainable materials like biosolids into various products. - [Climate Awareness Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hs-climate-pen): Helsingin Sanomat's HS Climate Pen Has Ink Made of Carbon Dioxide (Category: Eco) Implication: Printing and publishing companies can innovate by offering sustainable alternatives to traditional paper products, such as pens made from recycled materials and ink made from carb… ## 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)