# Interactive Cardboard Brands leverage cardboard for the basis of eco-friendly playtime. By [Hayley McGlone](https://www.trendhunter.com/hayley_mcglone), Manager, Client Research & Strategy | Published May 23, 2019 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/interactive-cardboard ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.7/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Interactive Cardboard trend? **Interactive Cardboard:** Cardboard toys and kits provide kids with craft-oriented playtime that is low-tech. Such products help to encourage children’s creativity while appealing to environmentally-conscious parents who can recycle the items once their child has outgrown them. ## The consumer insight behind the Interactive Cardboard trend Millennials tend to be more environmentally conscious than preceding generations, and as they have or raise their children, they want to do so in a way that's not wasteful and that instills eco-friendly values in their kids. Knowing that their kids will be most affected by the consequences of climate change overtime, Millennials are looking to curb the issue in the small, practical ways they know how. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 18, 2018 to Apr 15, 2019 - Published: May 23, 2019 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Interactive Cardboard trend ### Eco-Friendly Toys Parents increasingly prefer eco-friendly toys for their kids, creating opportunities for companies to develop affordable and sustainable toys using clean materials and waste reduction techniques. ### DIY Cardboard Playsets The DIY cardboard playset trend is taking off as companies recognize the popularity of low-tech toys that encourage creativity and imagination, creating opportunities for customizable and enjoyable learning experiences for kids. ### Scaled Realism Scaled realism is an emerging trend that allows kids to tap into their imaginations and increase their understanding of the world around them, creating opportunities for companies to create unique, interactive and educational experiences for children. ## What the Interactive Cardboard trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry The toy industry should focus on developing low-tech toys using eco-friendly and sustainable materials and techniques that encourage creativity and customizability. ### For Augmented Reality Industry The augmented reality industry has immense potential for repurposing old and used cardboard packaging, offering unique and immersive experiences for consumers. ### For Apparel Industry The apparel industry can learn from Petit Pli's innovative take on sustainable packaging design, allowing for an essential reduction in packaging costs while encouraging creative engagement with the environment and sustainability. ## Workshop question Consider how your brand could leverage eco-friendly materials to align with your consumer’s interests. ## Trend signals for Interactive Cardboard Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 85%, activity 49%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 85% - Activity: 49% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Interactive Cardboard trend 4 featured examples from Jan 18, 2018 to Apr 15, 2019. - [Imaginative Cardboard Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-kits): My Little World Helps Kids Create Airports, Villages, Landmarks & More (Category: Eco) Implication: Exploring opportunities to create sustainable and interactive cardboard toy kits. - [Playful Cardboard-Repurposing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-toybox): IKEA Toybox Uses AR to Bring Used Cardboard Boxes to Life (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate AR technology with furniture packaging to inspire creative uses of materials. - [Cardboard Gaming Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-labo): Nintendo Labo Introduces DIY Kits for the Nintendo Switch (Category: Tech) Implication: Game developers can utilize DIY gaming kits to their platforms and attract players with unique experiences that they can create and customize. - [Wearable Cardboard Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-clothing-box): Petit Pli's Cardboard Clothing Boxes Transform into Jetpacks (Category: Eco) Implication: Creating innovative garment packaging solutions that integrate design with sustainability, improving the customer experience while reducing waste. ## 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)