# Upcycled Mask Companies are repurposing materials to create mask and reduce waste production. By [Amy Duong](https://www.trendhunter.com/amyduong), Trend and Research Writer | Published Oct 28, 2020 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upcycled-mask ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.4/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Upcycled Mask trend? **Upcycled Mask:** Many brands are developing face masks as protection against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As production increases, some take a more sustainable route to produce the necessary masks. They pivot by repurposing materials to reduce waste and offer upcycled face mask solutions. ## The consumer insight behind the Upcycled Mask trend The current pandemic has brought awareness to consumers about the necessary means of maintaining personal hygiene. With this, they are also more alert to the global impacts beyond themselves, especially eco-conscious consumers. They have rising concerns about environmental impacts due to the mass production of one-time-use products but are still seeking equally hygienic alternatives. With this in mind, consumers will appreciate brands that satisfy both needs. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 23 to Oct 28, 2020 - Published: Oct 28, 2020 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Upcycled Mask trend ### Upcycling The push for sustainable practices affects the face mask industry via brands repurposing materials to reduce waste and offer upcycled face mask solutions. ### Socially conscious fashion Sustainability is a recent focus of the fashion industry, with the upcycling of archival fabrics and proceeds towards good causes noted as opportunities for innovation. ### Biodegradable materials As people seek non-medical protection in public, the push for biodegradable and antimicrobial materials led to the creation of coffee-based, milk-based, and food waste-based face masks. ## What the Upcycled Mask trend means for industry ### For Fashion Sustainability-driven innovation in fashion foregrounds the potential for upcycling and repurposing materials to reduce waste, upcycle secondhand, and advance eco-conscious collections. ### For Healthcare Sustainable practices in healthcare that highlight the importance of face masks as protection against COVID-19 informed the innovation of using antimicrobial and biodegradable materials from coffee and food waste. ### For Hospitality Furloughed staff from the hospitality sector with transferable skills-- such as sewing and pattern-making-- can be employed to make eco-friendly face masks via upcycling and biodegradable materials. ## Workshop question How can your brand appeal to sustainably conscious consumers? ## Trend signals for Upcycled Mask Trend score 6.4 out of 10, from popularity 93%, activity 91%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 93% - Activity: 91% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Upcycled Mask trend 4 featured examples from Apr 23 to Oct 28, 2020. - [Coffee-Based Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airx): The Reusable AirX is Touted as the World's First-Ever Coffee Mask (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate coffee-based materials into sustainable fashion products. - [Food Waste Face Shields](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioplastic-face-shield): Alice Potts' Bioplastic Face Shields Combine Food Waste & Flowers (Category: Eco) Implication: The bioplastics industry can take advantage of incorporating unconventional materials like food waste in PPE design for added sustainability. - [Archival Fashion Fabric Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mira-mikati-1): The Mira Mikati Mask is a Fashionable Safety Accessory (Category: Social Good) Implication: The fashion industry has an opportunity to support local communities, promote sustainability, and offer stylish and socially conscious accessories. - [Upcycled Milk Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-friendly-face-mask): Discarded's Eco-Friendly Face Mask is Made from Casein Protein Extracts (Category: Eco) Implication: The innovative process of creating sustainable fibers from waste materials can have significant disruptive effects on the fashion industry's supply chains and waste management pra… ## 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 Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)