# Hyper-Niche Material Packaging accommodates product through new materials. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jul 8, 2016 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/hyperniche-material ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.1/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Hyper-Niche Material trend? **Hyper-Niche Material:** Though attention to design and novelty features help make packaging stand out to consumers, turning packaging into a product feature as opposed to an afterthought requires an understanding of product use. Armed with this knowledge, packaging manufacturers have begun creating materials to better accommodate the actual nature and use of the product. This shift speaks to more emphasis on ease of use and product care. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 15, 2015 to May 25, 2017 - Published: Jul 8, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship) ## 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 Hyper-Niche Material trend ### Sustainable Material Innovation The increasing demand for sustainable alternatives is driving innovation in materials and packaging design, providing new opportunities for companies to reimagine their products and reduce their environmental impact. ### Experiential Packaging Design Emphasis on ease of use and product care has led to packaging manufacturers creating materials that better accommodate the actual nature and use of the product, providing new opportunities for brands to create memorable packaging experiences that align with their brand values. ### Disruptive Packaging Technology Advancements in material science and technology are providing exciting opportunities for brands to create packaging that is more eco-friendly, functional, and consumer-centric than ever before, driving new solutions that can revolutionize the packaging industry. ## What the Hyper-Niche Material trend means for industry ### For Sustainable Fashion Industry The use of innovative materials made out of plant-based fibers, organic cotton, and textile recycling technologies present a disruptive opportunity for brands in the fashion industry to reimagine their products in a sustainable way that reduces their environmental footprint. ### For Food and Beverage Packaging The need for functional packaging solutions that better accommodate the nature of the product, reduce waste, and lower their environmental impact is driving innovation in materials and packaging design, presenting new opportunities for brands to create memorable, eco-friendly packaging experiences. ### For Oral Care Industry The development of sustainable, eco-friendly, plant-derived toothpaste packaging provides opportunities for companies in the oral care industry to improve their products and reduce their carbon footprint, while creating innovative solutions that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. ## Workshop question What is the least useful part of your product, and how could you tweak it to become a necessity? ## Trend signals for Hyper-Niche Material Trend score 6.1 out of 10, from popularity 91%, activity 84%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 91% - Activity: 84% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Hyper-Niche Material trend 8 featured examples from Aug 15, 2015 to May 25, 2017. - [Portable Toothpaste Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poppits): Poppits' Eco-Friendly Soft Gel Pods Do Away with Plastic Tubes (Category: Eco) Implication: The oral care industry can explore the use of eco-friendly toothpaste packaging solutions, like Poppits' soft gel pods, to reduce plastic waste and improve sustainability in their… - [Recycled Cotton Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-material): Karta-Pack is an Innovative Material Made with Recycled Cotton Fibers (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for packaging companies to incorporate Karta-Pack, a recycled cotton packaging material, into their product offerings, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers. - [Tubular Umbrella Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/umbrella-packaging): KISHA Uses a Carton and Paper System to Encase Its Smart Umbrellas (Category: Eco) Implication: Innovative packaging can enhance the appeal of smart gadgets, such as smartphones, smart watches and other wearable devices. - [Paperboard Six-Pack Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/six-pack-rings): The 'Can Collar' is an Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Plastic (Category: Eco) Implication: The Can Collar is a potential disruptive innovation opportunity for the beverage industry in terms of packaging design and environmental impact. - [Non-Stick Shampoo Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plastic-coating): This Plastic Coating Will Save Money and Prevent Waste (Category: Eco) Implication: The non-stick packaging innovation can disrupt the personal care products industry, improving product efficacy and reducing waste. - [Banana-Based Fabrics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banana-plant): This Company is Making Eco-Friendly Textiles Out of Banana Plant Stems (Category: Eco) Implication: Companies in the textile industry can incorporate sustainable materials such as banana plant stems into their production processes. - [Cotton-Crafted Tea Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fabric-tea-bag): Bon Tea Packages Its Products in Fabric Tea Bag Vessels (Category: Marketing) Implication: The introduction of fabric tea bag packaging presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for tea packaging companies to offer more eco-friendly and visually appealing options. - [Monochrome Diamond Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diamond-packaging): This Packaging Forgoes the Need for Stuffing and Wasted Materials (Category: Marketing) Implication: Providing high-end brands with innovative packaging solutions that uphold their prestige and sustainability values. ## 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 Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)