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# Unwrapped Play
Packaging no longer holds toys, but becomes the plaything itself.

By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jan 29, 2015 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/unwrapped-play

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 4.5/10
- Evidence articles: 5

## What is the Unwrapped Play trend?

**Unwrapped Play:** Interactive packaging is not a new concept; however, a recent development is seen in packaging that is part of the product itself. Mainly focused in the realm of toys, this signifies more than an added benefit, but a reframe of what it means to package something in a sustainable way.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 5 featured examples
- Articles from: Oct 2, 2014 to Jan 19, 2015
- Published: Jan 29, 2015
- Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality)
- Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness)

## Audience

- Gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z
- Top markets: North America

## Themes within the Unwrapped Play trend

### Interactive Packaging

Developing innovative packaging that is part of the product itself and adds value for the customers.

### Creative Play

Encouraging kids to play and become more mindful of the effect wasteful packaging has on the environment by developing unique toys from packaging components.

### Conductive Print

Incorporating conductive ink technology into packaging or cover designs to offer interactive sensory experiences.

## What the Unwrapped Play trend means for industry

### For Toy Industry

The toy industry can explore the idea of designing innovative products that involve interactive packaging designs that transform into toys after usage.

### For Food Packaging Industry

The food packaging industry can explore the concept of incorporating creative gameplay with packaging designs that amplify brand identity.

### For Music Industry

The music industry can develop innovative physical album packaging designs that enable consumers to interact with the print for a unique sensory experience.

## Trend signals for Unwrapped Play

Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 70%, activity 57%, freshness 8%.

- Popularity: 70%
- Activity: 57%
- Freshness: 8%

## Examples of the Unwrapped Play trend

5 featured examples from Oct 2, 2014 to Jan 19, 2015.

- [Playfully Interactive Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-packaging): Stafidenios Raisins Turns Packaging into a Toy (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: The food and beverage industry can leverage interactive packaging design to enhance product appeal and engage with customers in a unique way.
- [Playful Snack Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snack-packaging-concept): Varvara Komarova's Snack Packaging Concept Doubles as a Toy for Kids (Category: Eco)
  Implication: Incorporating innovative and interactive packaging concepts, like BOOMASH by Varvara Komarova, to attract and engage young consumers in the food industry.
- [Computer Game Cartons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pacman-packaging): This Pacman Packaging Concept Was Made to Be Playful and Interactive (Category: Marketing)
  Implication: Innovative packaging designs that go beyond traditional functionality to create memorable experiences.
- [Interactive Record Covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/record-cover): DJ QBert's Record Cover Plays Songs When Prompted by Touch (Category: Pop Culture)
  Implication: Record labels and artists can leverage interactive album covers to attract attention, differentiate their physical releases, and provide added value to consumers.
- [Merited Chocolate Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merit-chocolate-badges): The Merit Chocolate Badges Make Sure You've Earned Your Treat (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Interactive packaging designs can be utilized in the food and beverage industry to increase customer engagement and loyalty.

## Recent trend clusters

- [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages)
- [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech)
- [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion)
- [Functional Indulgence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-indulgence1) (Lifestyle)

## Trending in Life-Stages

- [Mini Clog Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-x-crocs-blind-box)
- [Historical Character Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polly-pocket-x-american-girl)
- [Larger-Format Brainteaser Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kanoodle-party)
- [Beautified Slime Charms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gui-gui-minis)

All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)
