Need to Know
22 : 09 : 20

Amsterdam – Chocolate brand Tony’s Chocolonely is drawing attention to the exploitation of people in the cocoa industry with a colourful activism campaign.

The short film by agency Herc acts as a manifesto to reinforce the brand's mission to end child slavery on cocoa plantations. By taking inspiration from the bright packaging of the Tony's brand, the Unfair/Fair campaign vibrantly visualises its motto: ‘Crazy about chocolate, serious about people’.

Narrated by British actor Idris Elba, the ad examines the negative 'today' and positive 'future' for the cocoa industry in a way that diverges from most activism-led campaigns. ‘It’s fantastic, especially in this day and age, to be able to fully apply our approach to a happy activist, a cheerful brand that’s doing something good for the world,’ says Rogier de Bruin, co-founder and creative director at Herc.

Tony’s Chocolonely’s new advert shows how activism narratives are being reframed through the lens of a future-positive mindset. To find out more, explore our latest design direction Graphic Activism.

Sweden – Swedish label Kön is demonstrating that underwear doesn’t need to be categorised by gender.

Its name reflects the Swedish word for both gender and sex, with the designs featuring elements drawn from both men's and women's underwear. The result is a shape that closely resembles briefs, but can be comfortably worn by anyone regardless of how they identify.

Taking inspiration from the idea of a blank canvas in product design, the brand’s neutral approach also extends to its packaging – a simple white box featuring the brand name and product information printed on the back. Furthermore, the underwear is plant-based and sold in recycled paper packaging, tapping into eco-awareness alongside inclusivity.

Bill Heinonen, founder of Kön, explains: ‘My vision was, metaphorically speaking, to create a blank canvas, and let the consumers be the artists who colour the brand – because the fit and look will always be different depending on who wears them.’

From fashion and beauty to hospitality and even architecture, once-rigid classifications of gender stereotypes are being challenged to make way for a more Neutral Culture.

Australia’s Generation Z are feeling cautious about cultured meat, despite their widespread concern for the environment and animal welfare.

A recent study by the University of Sydney and Curtin University reveals key attitudes among this generation towards lab-grown meat, defined as that which is produced in-vitro using animal cells. According to their findings, 72% of Australian Gen Z are not ready to accept cultured meat, but 41% noted that it could be a viable nutritional source because of the need for more sustainable food options.

‘Gen Z value Australia’s reputation as a supplier of quality livestock and meat, and many view traditional meat eating as being closely tied to concepts of masculinity and Australian cultural identity,’ explains Dr Diana Bogueva, a lead researcher for the study, in relation to the findings.

While young Australians are not fully ready to embrace eco-first food alternatives, a community of Low-impact Eaters is growing globally, using food as a way to address their anxiety about the climate emergency.