Shades of recovery: the 2011 color forecast

Clariant Masterbatches' annual color forecast attempts to predict which shades and hues will be in top demand in the upcoming year. In the forecast just released, the company says it expects colors for 2011 will be brighter and livelier, reflecting a renewed sense of optimism. The supplier, based in Muttenz, Switzerland, late last month released ColorForward, its plastics color forecasting service. Also in 2011, consumers can be expected to respond more to technology, materials, and emotions that stimulate the senses in ways that go beyond the merely visible.

ColorForward 2011 is the collaborative effort of plastics color specialists from North and South America, Europe, and Asia who work in Clariant's global network of ColorWorks design and technology centers. Each year, the ColorForward team explores global cultural influences and lifestyle trends to gauge their impact on color directions for future consumer products. While many trends were considered, only the ones with true global relevance made the final list.

"I live and work in Brazil, where people always seem to be happy and sociable," says Antonio Rollo, ColorWorks project manager. "Even during the worst of the financial crisis, Brazilians continued to live an outgoing, optimistic lifestyle. You find this across many other parts of Latin America and also in other parts of the world like India. Although life may be difficult, you see people remaining happy, enthusiastic, and energetic. We think this feeling has become contagious and will be spreading around the world in 2011. This is seen in colors that are bright and happy but not overly vivid. They have energy and freshness, reflecting an upbeat approach to life."

Those interested in learning more about ColorForward can use this link and click on the Color Trends tab. —mpweditorial@cancom.com