From crazy flavour mash-ups to eco-conscious mobile games, here are some things that made us say “That’s Interesting” in the studio this week.
So, we see flavour mash-up spoofs between iconic brands go viral, recyclable unisex clothing engineered to fit all shapes and sizes, enzymes making plastic recycling easier, and mobile games that nudge people towards more sustainable behaviour.
Crazy mash-ups.
Attention attention, breaking news! Heinz Mayo and Oreo bring to you the craziest collaborations of all times! A controversial flavour combo to say the least, here is Mayoreo! Believable? 100%. True? Not quite. The concept and image were created as a joke by an internet user called Doctor Photograph. But, weirdly enough, it gained a lot of traction online and people actually seem to like it! So Mayoreo might one day end up on our supermarket shelves… Who knows?! Crazy mashups between playful disruptive brands traction and engagement with consumers… Even if they’re spoofs!.
Put some on your chips here
Fashion that fits.
We originally covered Petit Pli – the eco fashion brand that launched a kids’ clothing line using sustainably sourced recycled fabrics and a special fold design that “grows” with the child – in our Earth Matters article, Sustainability for Generations. We’re delighted to see the brand grow (literally) with their latest innovation, a clothing collection for adults that is made from mono-fibre polyester and adapts to the wearer’s body shape and size. The versatility of the material and the unique pleated structure make the clothes suitable for all genders, styles and sizes, thereby encouraging wearers to buy and own less, and to recycle clothing at end of life. For example, these items can be worn before, during and after pregnancy, eliminating the need to buy ad-hoc maternity wear. How can innovations in material and design help consumers express their style and find comfort with less impact on the planet?
Try them on here
Eco enzymes.
In an effort to find alternatives to plastic, French biotech company Carbios developed the “world’s first” food grade PET plastic bottle, which is produced entirely from enzymatically recycled plastic. An enzyme is a natural protein that significantly speeds up the rate of chemical reactions and thus allows for a specific shape to be created. This new innovation for plastic allows PET plastic bottles – which make up around 20% of all plastic produced – to be recycled endless times, as opposed to current limitations. So far, the bottles have been produced for brands including Orangina, Pepsi Max, Biotherm and Perrier. Our plastic problem can be managed with the right mix of innovation, from reduction and substitution to better recycling and waste management technology and infrastructure. For more on managing our plastic problem, listen to our Earth Matters podcast with Neil Shackleton here.
Enzymatic recycling here
Game for good.
The United Nations uses gaming to get people to think and live more sustainably. They’ve launched a new initiative called Playing for the Planet in collaboration with app stores, offering a variety of mobile games that nudge, inspire and educate players on more eco-conscious behaviours in a fun and exciting way. Gaming is a strong contender in the battle for attention – how else can it be used to build awareness and engagement around important issues like sustainability?
Play for the planet here