# Upcycled Bean Eco-conscious brands are employing castor beans as ingredients in manufacturing. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Nov 23, 2020 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upcycled-bean ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.7/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Upcycled Bean trend? **Upcycled Bean:** Companies are recognizing the potential of the castor bean as a functional material for manufacturing. Whether deployed as fabric or plastic, the plant is fast-growing, non-disruptive to the human food supply, and also water-saving. ## The consumer insight behind the Upcycled Bean trend Increasingly aware of the pitfalls of manufacturing and their own lifestyle carbon footprint, consumers are consistently looking for new alternatives that will allow them to be more eco-conscious and, therefore, be more comfortable when making purchasing decisions. This demand stems from an increase in the desire for education and awareness about the state of the planet, manufacturing, as well as the various plant-based and renewable solutions. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 8, 2020 to May 9, 2023 - Published: Nov 23, 2020 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - 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, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Upcycled Bean trend ### Castor Bean Sustainability Companies are recognizing the potential of the castor bean as a functional material for manufacturing, and the trend is reflected in clothing, eyewear, and footwear products. ### Plant-Based Materials Manufacturers are using renewable materials made from organic matter to create bio-based products to address environmental concerns, such as the difficulty in recycling shoes made with plastic. ### Mindful Manufacturing Increasing consumer demands for eco-conscious products with transparent supply chains that adhere to rigorous labor and environmental standards are promoting mindful manufacturing practices. ## What the Upcycled Bean trend means for industry ### For Sustainability Manufacturing Manufacturers can use castor bean oil and other plant-based materials to create sustainable products, which addresses the increased demand for eco-conscious products reflecting ethical and environmental concerns. ### For Fashion & Apparel The fashion industry can use plant-based materials to create innovative sustainable clothing, footwear, and accessory lines, fulfilling consumers' desires for eco-conscious products that are also aesthetically pleasing. ### For Eyewear & Accessories Eco-conscious companies are creating eyewear and accessory collections made with renewable materials like powdered castor beans, offering an opportunity for manufacturers to create sustainable products for their customers. ## Workshop question What further measures can your brand take to make the manufacturing process more eco-conscious? ## Trend signals for Upcycled Bean Trend score 5.7 out of 10, from popularity 82%, activity 80%, freshness 11%. - Popularity: 82% - Activity: 80% - Freshness: 11% ## Examples of the Upcycled Bean trend 9 featured examples from Oct 8, 2020 to May 9, 2023. - [Sustainable Castor Oil Fabrics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-yoga-collection): Mandala's Sustainable Yoga Collections are Chic and Eco-Conscious (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate sustainable materials, such as castor oil-based fabrics, into yoga apparel manufacturing to cater to eco-conscious consumers. - [Eco-Friendly Coffee Insoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-insoles): These Insoles are Made from Upcycled Coffee Cups & Bagasse (Category: Eco) Implication: The footwear industry can incorporate eco-friendly materials to create sustainable and unique products. - [Plant-Based Performance Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zen-run-01): The Zen Run 01 is Vegan and Ethically Made (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate sustainable and plant-based materials into the manufacturing process of athletic footwear. - [Upcycled Ingredient Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fancypants-baking-co): Fancypants Baking Co. Created a Line of Cookies to Reduce Food Waste (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industry has the opportunity to reduce waste and improve sustainability by incorporating upcycled ingredients in their products, as demonstrated by Fancypant… - [Naturally-Made Sustainable Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inner-mettle): Inner Mettle Makes Clothing Out of Milk and Castor Bean (Category: Eco) Implication: Inner Mettle's focus on eco-friendly fashion practices displays the opportunity for disruptive innovation in the fashion industry through the incorporation of sustainable material… - [Reimagined Plant-Based Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nano-x1-vegan): Reebok's Nano X1 Vegan is a New Version of the Nano X1 Sneaker (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry can prioritize sustainable materials in athletic and casual wear to reduce environmental impact while maintaining style. - [Powdered Castor Bean Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-eyewear1): Rolf's Collection of 3D-Printed Eyewear is Eco-Conscious (Category: Eco) Implication: The use of powdered castor beans in 3D-printed eyewear presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the eyewear industry. - [Sustainable Bean-Based Brushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tangle-teezer-plant-brush): Tangle Teezer's Plant Brush is Made Out of 85% Castor Oil (Category: Fashion) Implication: Innovation in sustainable brushes and other personal care products offers a major opportunity for brands to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives. - [Recycled Component Denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decaf-denim): Decaf Denim Has a Range of Benefits for the Wearer and the Environment (Category: Eco) Implication: The fashion industry has an opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable fashion products like Decaf Denim. ## 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)