# Electronic Cardboard Creatures The AREA + Eco DIY Collection is Endearing and Economical By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-08-02 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/area-eco-diy-collection References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/08/01/di-wild/) & [eduardoalessi](http://eduardoalessi.com/6114/660764/contact-infoeduardoalessicom/eco-diy-collection) The manufacturer, the consumer and the planet all win -- where it concerns the AREA+ Eco DIY Collection. Eduardo Alessi has designed these adorable animalistic knickknacks that begin and end their lives with little impact on the environment. In terms of production, the little cardboard creatures are cut from single sheets of the paper-based material into 2D patterns, reducing potential waste. The appropriate perforations, notches and impressed creases are applied before the extremely compact and lightweight products can be [flatpacked and cheaply shipped](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arba) out. The recipient is the one who constructs his object from the AREA+ Eco DIY Collection, be it a set of elephant speakers, a deer digital clock, a giraffe table lamp, a rhinoceros pen holder or an owl bookmark. The energy spent on assembly is the consumer's own and the eventual disposal involves [recycling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rae). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Eco-friendly DIY Products:** The AREA+ Eco DIY Collection exemplifies a trend of consumer interest in eco-friendly products that can also be assembled at home. - **Minimal-waste Manufacturing:** The production process for the cardboard creatures is a trend in minimal-waste manufacturing, helping to reduce environmental impact and cut down costs. - **Customizable Consumer Goods:** The trend of customizable consumer goods is exemplified by the AREA+ Eco DIY Collection, allowing consumers to create a unique product while also feeling a sense of ownership and personal attachment. ### Where This Applies - **Home Decor:** The AREA+ Eco DIY Collection appeals to the home decor industry by offering unique and affordable decor items that can be customized and personalized by the consumer. - **Consumer Electronics:** The trend of DIY consumer electronics, exemplified by the elephant speakers in the AREA+ Eco DIY Collection, presents an opportunity for the consumer electronics industry to offer customizable and eco-friendly products. - **Sustainable Manufacturing:** The minimal-waste manufacturing trend in the AREA+ Eco DIY Collection highlights the opportunity for the manufacturing industry to reduce environmental impact and cut down on costs through sustainable manufacturing practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Upcycled Waste Material Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-furniture-design.md) - [Cardboard-Inspired Ceramic Household Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-collection.md) - [Flat-Packed Sleek Dish Racks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aurea.md) - [Cardboard Box-Transformed Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/box-exhibition.md) - [Collapsible Flatpack Side Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edo-side-table.md) - [Paper-Made Dissolvable E-Waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pape.md) - [Stackable Flat-Pack Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bug-collection-1.md) - [Durable Flat-Packed Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eilersen.md) - [Modular Furniture Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arca.md)