# Eco-Friendly Coconut Coolers The Nutshell Cooler is Sustainable and Highly Efficient By Elena Rahman | Published 2021-08-20 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nutshell-cooler References: [core77](https://www.core77.com/posts/109768/The-Eco-Friendly-Nutshell-Cooler-Performs-Better-Than-Styrofoam-Filled-Coolers?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+core77/blog) The Nutshell Cooler uses coconuts as insolation rather than styrofoam. Designed by David Culter and Tamara Mekler, a behavioral biologist, the [eco-friendly cooler](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freezill-soft-cooler) was invented in the Philippines while the pair visited to study the coconut farming industry. The inventors quickly realized the potential that lay between the [coconut fibers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coconut-water-brand). Its molecular structure is similar to leading plastic foams and wool. Coconut fibers have natural air pockets that provide excellent insolation. The benefit of using coconut husks is the [reduction of plastic pollutants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surf-block-maui). To create the cooler, Cutler and Mekler figured out a way to manufacture the husks into sheets of insulating material. In collaboration with design firm Box Clever, the Nutshell Cooler came into existence. Image Credit: Cutler and Mekler ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Packaging:** Using natural fibers such as coconut husks for packaging is an opportunity for sustainable packaging. - **Circular Economy:** Incorporating materials such as coconut husks into products as insulation presents an opportunity for a circular economy. - **Eco-friendly Alternatives:** Developing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials such as styrofoam is an opportunity for innovative product development. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Packaging Industry:** The packaging industry can explore the use of natural fibers such as coconut husks to create sustainable packaging solutions. - **Food and Beverage Industry:** The food and beverage industry can use the Nutshell Cooler or similar eco-friendly coolers to transport products in a sustainable way. - **Sustainability Consulting Industry:** Sustainability consulting firms can work with companies to help them identify and implement eco-friendly alternatives in their packaging and transportation processes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eco Insulated Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cruz-cool.md) - [Recyclable Reusable Coolers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gochill-cooler.md) - [Recyclable Cooler Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coleman-geofreeze-cooler.md) - [Recyclable Performance Coolers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oyster-tempo-1.md) - [Cooling Mushroom Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-packaging-1.md) - [Floating Foam Drink Coolers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foam-portable-cooler.md) - [Soft Sustainable Coolers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/out-of-the-woods-1.md) - [Ice Cream Pint Coolers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-cream-pint-cooler.md) - [Coconut-Based Dessert Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-dream-bowls.md)