News 19.04.2022

Need to Know

Tiny Associates creates planet-positive beauty, a creative incubator by Ikea and H&M and, growing alarm among consumers about climate change.

Tiny Associates is creating post-natural skincare

Tiny Associates, Sweden
Tiny Associates, Sweden
Tiny Associates, Sweden

Sweden – With many naturally derived cosmetic ingredients having a damaging impact on the planet, the skincare brand is creating an alternative solution using bio-technology. For its post-natural skincare, the brand aims to challenge the beauty industry’s reliance on natural or clean products.

Launching with five skincare products, Tiny Associates products are microbiome-gentle, and draw on molecules that naturally occur in human skin. Through this approach, the brand aims to support both people and the planet, as well as future-proofing the wider beauty industry. ‘In essence, we believe that bio-technologically made molecules could be the future of sustainable skincare,’ explains David Koo Hjalmarsson, CEO and founder of Tiny Associates. ‘Bio-technology could actually offer the cosmetics industry a frictionless transition to more sustainable ingredients.’

As supplies of raw ingredients dwindle, innovations in bio-technology are emerging to encourage beauty brands and consumers to rethink conventional approaches to skincare.

Strategic opportunity

Bio-technology is emerging as a planet-first solution across sectors from beauty to food and drink. Consider working with scientific experts to experiment with such technologies

A roller-skating rink in the heart of New York

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Rockefeller Center by Liberty Ross, US Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Rockefeller Center by Liberty Ross, US
Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace by Liberty Ross, US Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace by Liberty Ross, US

New York – Model turned entrepreneur Liberty Ross is opening a roller-skating rink at the Rockefeller Center, capitalising on the pandemic boom for new hobbies.

The new venue is a revival of Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, a skating rink set up by Ross’s father in the 1980s and described as ‘Studio 54 on wheels’. For three years, the club was the beating heart of West Hollywood’s art scene, said to be frequented by everyone from Elton John to Cher.

With the resurgence of retro and nostalgic hobbies, Ross decided it was the appropriate time to re-open Flipper’s to provide a health and community-orientated space for people to congregate in real life. The rink has been designed by Bureau Betak and includes food and dining areas, a viewing platform and a store, with events such as music performances and live DJ sets planned. 'At Flipper's, we believe in less scroll, more roll!’ explains Liberty Ross, co-founder of Flipper’s Boogie Palace.

By tapping into the rise of roller-skating among younger people in particular, and creating a space where they can meet offline, Flipper's is contributing to the Gen Z Hangout Market.

Strategic opportunity

When striving to create a new hangout space for younger generations, companies should consider reviving historic venues instead of creating something new

Brands unite to uplift London’s next-gen creatives

London – Swedish homeware retailer Ikea and fashion brand H&M are partnering to open a meeting and workplace for designers and makers in London.

The two companies are positioning the space, named Atelier100, as an 'ideas factory' that unites, mentors and promotes emerging creatives. By amalgamating next-gen thinkers, Atelier100 wants to establish more sustainable and hyper-local approaches to retail, with all products made using locally sourced materials, by manufacturers based within 100km of Trafalgar Square.

While initially launching in London, Ikea and H&M want to expand Atelier100 to global cities in future. Successful applicants to the programme will also receive funding and guidance to scale up their ideas. Here, the retailers are recognising their potential to nurture the next generation of talent through resources and education.

Such an adaptable strategy also reflects the ideas we explore in Elastic Brands, with businesses creating flexible solutions that allow their workforces and retail spaces to become transformable entities.

Atelier100 by H&M and Ingka Group (Ikea), UK

Strategic opportunity

Looking ahead, high street retailers can continue to create such solutions to support local communities, and move away from being solely focused on making transactions

Stat: The climate crisis is impacting communities

Food is power by Skyhigh Farm in collaboration with Playground Coffee Shop and Quil Lemons is a project dedicated to address food insecurity in underserved communities, US Food is power by Skyhigh Farm in collaboration with Playground Coffee Shop and Quil Lemons is a project dedicated to address food insecurity in underserved communities, US

Across the world, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the climate crisis. According to research by Amex Trendex, 73% of consumers have noticed the impact of the climate crisis and global heating on their local communities.

With 76% of respondents saying there is greater urgency to tackle the climate crisis, the research reveals that consumers are eager to change their behaviour to support companies with strong environmental credentials. Almost 80% of respondents said they would be more loyal to a company that prioritises the environment, while 75% said they would be willing to pay more for sustainable items.

Even though 84% of consumers say they want to learn more about how to help the environment, 65% of those polled said they have no idea how to reduce their carbon footprint. This demonstrates a strong opportunity for companies to use the lessons from our recent Neo-collectivism report to help communities make positive changes.

Strategic opportunity

Consumers need more guidance from companies on how to reduce their carbon emissions. Consider incorporating useful tips onto their packaging

Previous News Articles
Avanade Intelligent Garden gives trees a voice at Chelsea Flower Show

News

Avanade Intelligent Garden gives trees a voice at Chelsea Flower Show

This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show invites visitors to interact with AI-enabled trees in the Avanade Intelligent Garden.
Technology : Nature : Sustainability
ITV launches deaf-led drama with BSL and silent ad break

News

ITV launches deaf-led drama with BSL and silent ad break

ITV is pushing the boundaries of inclusive storytelling with the launch of its new prime time drama Code of Silence, starring BAFTA-winning actor a...
Media : Diversity : Inclusion
Stat: Boomerang generation return home due to cost of living crisis

News

Stat: Boomerang generation return home due to cost of living crisis

The rising cost of living and unaffordable housing are fuelling a surge in adult children returning to the family home.
Family : Home : Youth
Manchester City brings grassroots spirit to kit launch

News

Manchester City brings grassroots spirit to kit launch

Manchester City Football Club has marked the launch of its 2025/2026 home kit with a short film that playfully blends football fandom, nostalgia an...
Sports : Design : Creative
Vinted tops France’s fashion market as second-hand sales surge

News

Vinted tops France’s fashion market as second-hand sales surge

Second-hand platform Vinted has overtaken Amazon and Kiabi to become France’s top clothing retailer by sales volume, according to new data from the...
Fashion : Sustainability : Retail
Stat: Nearly half of UK shoppers prefer in-store retail – but body image challenges persist

News

Stat: Nearly half of UK shoppers prefer in-store retail – but body image challenges persist

As consumers’ desire for in-person connection increases, nearly half of UK shoppers now prefer to shop in-store, according to new research.
Stats : Stat : Retail
China’s online sports and equipment sales are booming

News

China’s online sports and equipment sales are booming

The sports apparel and equipment sector continues to be one of the highest-growth key consumer sectors in China, according to brand agency Hot Pot ...
China : Sports : HotPot China
Hinge teams up with writers on Substack to tell ‘real love stories’

News

Hinge teams up with writers on Substack to tell ‘real love stories’

Dating app Hinge is expanding its storytelling strategy with the second instalment of its No Ordinary Love campaign.
Dating : Substack : Pop Culture And Media
Stat: US consumers expect brands to lead on climate and DEI

News

Stat: US consumers expect brands to lead on climate and DEI

As some businesses have been quietly rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, new data shows consumers want brands to step up...
Stat : Statistic : Dei
Students win national award with DIY loom tackling fast fashion

News

Students win national award with DIY loom tackling fast fashion

A team of students from Cambourne Village College in Cambridgeshire has won the Design Museum’s Design Ventura 2025 competition with Loopy Loom, a ...
Design : Sustainability : Circularity
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