# Spent Grain Construction Brands are leveraging spent grain as a sustainable alternative material. By [Amy Duong](https://www.trendhunter.com/amyduong), Trend and Research Writer | Published Sep 9, 2020 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spent-grain-construction ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Spent Grain Construction trend? **Spent Grain Construction:** Single-use plastic is an environmental concern for many consumers, and companies are experimenting with sustainable materials such as spent grain to accommodate this. Packaging and design utilizing the leftover material from breweries is a method of constructing plastic alternatives that are better for the environment. ## The consumer insight behind the Spent Grain Construction trend As the negative impacts of climate change become evident, consumers are more conscious of their purchase decisions and how it affects the world at a larger scale. They find sustainable practices that can blend into their existing routine. This leads them to favor brands that leverage unconventional materials to perform sustainable practices through different production streams. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 28, 2019 to Sep 9, 2020 - Published: Sep 9, 2020 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## 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 Spent Grain Construction trend ### Sustainable Materials Companies are leveraging unconventional, sustainable materials such as spent grain to cater to the environmentally conscious consumer. ### Circular Economy Using waste byproducts like spent grain allows for companies to practice closed-loop manufacturing and implement circular economy principles. ### Bio-Based Packaging Bio-based packaging solutions that use spent grain and other materials offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic packaging. ## What the Spent Grain Construction trend means for industry ### For Food & Beverage The food and beverage industry can pivot to more sustainable practices by leveraging waste byproducts like spent grain to create new products and packaging solutions. ### For Packaging As single-use plastic becomes a concern for consumers, companies in the packaging industry can explore bio-based packaging solutions using unconventional materials like spent grain. ### For Furniture Design Leftover materials like spent grain can be utilized in furniture design, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials. ## Workshop question How can your company practice sustainability in different aspects of the business? ## Trend signals for Spent Grain Construction Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 62%, activity 61%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 62% - Activity: 61% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Spent Grain Construction trend 4 featured examples from Dec 28, 2019 to Sep 9, 2020. - [Spent Grain Beer Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trebodur-organic-material): The 'Trebodur' Organic Material Has a Biodegradable Design (Category: Eco) Implication: Use spent grain as a resource for creating biodegradable packaging solutions. - [Grain-Based Edible Cutlery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incredible-edible-cutlery): The All-Natural IncrEdible Spoon is a Delicious Alternative to Plastic (Category: Eco) Implication: Food and beverage companies can explore the development of food-based cutlery as an alternative to plastic, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. - [Spent Grain-Crafted Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mask-stool): Mater Launches the Mask Stool Made from Leftover Grain from Beer (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity to disrupt the furniture industry by introducing sustainable materials and production methods, offering eco-friendly options to consumers. - [Biosourced Grain Disposable Trays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disposable-tray): Food Packaging is Elevated with Spent Grain and Potato Starch (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore the adoption of biosourced packaging materials to reduce environmental impact. ## 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)