Signals

US – Travel beauty brand Ries seeks to redefine consumers’ on the-go-routine with its debut product – an empty bottle. The first in a collection of refillable beauty toiletry packaging, Ries offers consumers a stylish, multi-use alternative to wasteful inconvenient containers and unsuitable hotel products.

Each bottle is made from recycled plastic and comes with seven label options for skin, hair or bodycare products, all in Transportation Security Administration-compliant sizes. Founder Megan Graham explains she was inspired to start Ries after having difficulty adapting her curly hair routine to her travel schedule. After years of single-use plastics and leaky bottles, Graham created a brand that is sustainable, stylish and steadfast.

‘I want to redefine the relationship between beauty and travel,’ she tells Beauty Independent. ‘And give people the freedom of having your unique beauty routine while you’re travelling.’

Ries merges the microtrends of Redefined Refillables and Wanderlust Beauty, offering ways for the beauty-conscious traveller to continue their at-home routine while in transit.

UK – Research from the University of Oxford shows that adding more plant-based menu options is a simple and effective way to reduce meat consumption. Of the three experiments that were conducted in physical and digital environments, the online study found that 48% of diners will opt for a vegetarian meal if they are given the option of three or four dishes. By contrast, when three or four menu options were meat-based, only 12% of diners chose a vegetarian option.

These findings hold across genders and income levels, showing that plant-based menus are a powerful tool for reducing reliance on meat. Rachel Pechey, the lead researcher, highlights how including more plant-based menu options may be more palatable than unpopular meat taxes or dictatorial bans on meat consumption on certain days of the week.

The findings show how workplaces, schools and hospitality brands can appeal to the growing influence of Low-impact Eaters, consumers who make dietary choices with environmental impact in mind.