News 10.01.2020

Need to Know

Google develops an AI to detect breast cancer, Soylent turns its hand to energy drinks, and people feel demotivated to act sustainably.

VegNature’s rebrand emphasises its eco-values

VegNature by Leonardo Studio Design
VegNature by Leonardo Studio Design
VegNature by Leonardo Studio Design

Canada – Plant-based food brand VegNature has overhauled its visual identity to be more in line with its brand values of healthy, greener and more compassionate living.

As part of the rebranding its flagship product, plant-based ‘cheese’ La Bûchette, has been updated. Its new eco-friendly packaging is not only designed to be more visible on supermarket shelves, it is made from 100% recyclable plastic and 100% recyclable and compostable cardboard.

Working with Leonardo Studio Design, the rebranding aims to inspire consumers to choose plant-based products. Abiding by the motto ‘Just plants. No bad stuff', the shift towards bolder eco-packaging also precedes the launch of a a new product range for 2020. ‘Even though VegNature already has a solid fan base, we had to think about curious people looking for healthier alternatives and looking for new things,’ explains Stéphanie Bergeron, co-founder of Leonardo Studio Design.

With plant-based products increasingly front of mind for consumers, brands are updating their identities and pushing for more visceral visuals that elicit pleasurable eating without compromise. For more, explore our Vibrant Veganism design direction.

The energy drink giving Soylent a boost

Soylent Stacked Soylent Stacked
Soylent Stacked Soylent Stacked

US – Soylent has introduced a ready-to-drink, nootropic energy drink, Soylent Stacked, described as a complete formula to fuel the mind and body.

Combining healthy fats, plant protein, slow-burning carbohydrates and essential nutrients, Stacked is said to enhance focus, accuracy and the ability to switch between tasks with ease. Formulated with a ‘stack’ of L-theanine and caffeine, the drink has been created to provide a calm yet sustained energy boost.

Eschewing the sugary rush of traditional energy drinks, Soylent Stacked contains ingredients to support cognition and memory, as well as overall mental and physical performance. ‘Our customers told us they were frustrated with the empty calories and lack of nutrition in the leading energy drinks. Soylent Stacked is the first energy drink formulated for both your mind and your body,’ explains Bryan Crowley, CEO of Soylent.

With growing concern about the negative health impacts of high-sugar, high-caffeine energy drinks, brands are innovating to offer less harmful alternatives. Explore our Alternative Energy Drinks microtrend for more case studies.

Google AI can now detect breast cancer

Global – Google has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can detect breast cancer with greater accuracy than most doctors.

In a recent study published in the scientific journal Nature, Google’s AI systems were put to the test – and were found to produce fewer false positives and false negative results than doctors, both of which can significantly affect how the disease is detected and treated.

The AI system uses machine learning, analysing tens of thousands of mammograms from women in the UK and the US, drawing from this information to better detect new cases. Researchers who worked on the project note that ‘the performance of even the best clinicians leaves room for improvement. AI may be uniquely poised to help with this challenge’.

While the worlds of health and wellness were once distinctly separate, new technologies for healthy living are emerging to prioritise convenience and care. Find out more about how technology is transforming health in our Certified Wellness macrotrend.

Breast Cancer Detection

Stat: People remain apathetic to sustainable behaviours

According to the 2020 Looking Further with Ford trend report, 78% of adults globally agree with the statement: ‘I am actively changing my behaviour to help in the fight against climate change.’

Yet, with variations in sustainable acts apparent across global regions and demographics, many people remain disengaged or simply demotivated to behave more sustainably. In fact, Ford's report shows that 46% of people in the UK said they would only embrace sustainable initiatives such as not using plastic straws if the inconvenience of doing so was small or non-existent. This compares to 62% of people in China, 51% in Australia, 78% in France and 48% in the US.

Brands are waking up to the responsibility they have to encourage sustainable decisions among consumers, something Jo Barnard, co-founder of design studio Morrama, examines in her recent opinion piece.

Previous News Articles
NRF 2025 Retail’s Big Show Europe: Unified commerce and inspirational entertainment

News

NRF 2025 Retail’s Big Show Europe: Unified commerce and inspirational entertainment

On the opening day of NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe, the spotlight turned to unified commerce and the evolving role of physical stores in omni...
Retail : NRF : Pop Up Store
The Future Laboratory presents The Synthocene Era macrotrend at Première Vision

News

The Future Laboratory presents The Synthocene Era macrotrend at Première Vision

The Future Laboratory’s co-founder and chief creative officer Christopher Sanderson presented The Synthocene Era macrotrend at the fashion industry...
Global Events : Technology : The Synthocene Era
Gen Z in China are using AI to transform themselves into collectable merchandise

News

Gen Z in China are using AI to transform themselves into collectable merchandise

Gen Z in China are using AI art tools and 3D printing to transform themselves into ‘guzi’ – personalised collectable merchandise.
China : Kidults : Kidult Craze
Stat: Gen Z stay indoors for days as screen time replaces nature

News

Stat: Gen Z stay indoors for days as screen time replaces nature

Two-thirds of Gen Z in Britain confess they can go days without stepping outside, according to new research by Super, Natural British Columbia.
Gen Z : Nature : Health And Wellness
Big W embraces the beautiful chaos of parenting in new campaign

News

Big W embraces the beautiful chaos of parenting in new campaign

Department store chain Big W is shaking up family advertising with a bold new campaign celebrating the chaos, meltdowns and small wins of everyday ...
Advertising & Branding : Parenting : Retail
George at Asda unveils new adult adaptive clothing range

News

George at Asda unveils new adult adaptive clothing range

George at Asda has launched a 28-piece adult adaptive clothing collection, designed in collaboration with the late breast cancer campaigner Nicky N...
Retail : Fashion : George At Asda
Stat: Girls’ sport participation could unlock leadership potential at work

News

Stat: Girls’ sport participation could unlock leadership potential at work

Girls who play extracurricular sport in the UK are 50% more likely to go on to achieve senior professional roles at work, according to Game Changin...
Sport : Women's Sports : Teenage Girls
Vattenfall and Samuel L Jackson’s seaweed snack is grown on wind farms

News

Vattenfall and Samuel L Jackson’s seaweed snack is grown on wind farms

Swedish energy company, Vattenfall has teamed up with actor Samuel L Jackson to launch Wind Farmed Seaweed Snacks, a limited-edition delicacy grown...
Visual : Sweden : Energy
Happy Head debuts DNA-based system for personalised hair growth

News

Happy Head debuts DNA-based system for personalised hair growth

Happy Head has launched StrandIQ, the world’s first dermatologist-developed hair growth system powered by genetic analysis, giving patients tailore...
Health : Wellness : Happy Head StrandIQ
Stat: Luxury consumers’ optimism is improving amid global slowdown

News

Stat: Luxury consumers’ optimism is improving amid global slowdown

Saks’ latest Luxury Pulse survey shows rising confidence among luxury shoppers, with more than half planning to maintain or increase their spending...
Stat : Statistics : Statistic
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN