Clariant Color Forward® 2021 Color Trends

Focusing on Personal Interaction and Originality

Color experts at Clariant Color Works^® have identified four social trends expected to influence consumers over the next five years. Clariant has published the 15th edition of its annual color forecast guide for the plastics sector. The 2021 guide concludes that personal interaction has become a luxury in the digital age and people are yearning for originality in a world disconnected from reality. On the positive side, technology is being used to create products that connect with people on an emotional level, while collaboration is emerging as a critical factor in achieving positive change. Judith van Vliet, Senior Designer at ColorWorks and leader of the ColorForward team, said: "These trends produce a color palette for 2021 in which contrast takes center stage. On one hand, people see colors that allow them to find something of themselves and can still be considered original, while on the other hand, the colors reflect today's drama. While cooler tones dominated the 2020 color palette, the color tones in 2021 have much warmer and deeper characteristics. Moreover, among this year's color trends are special effects and many semi-transparent shades that have a certain look but make you feel different." In ColorForward 2021, as in previous years, each trend theme is represented by five colors expected to appeal to people in the coming years. This unique tool can be used by plastic product designers and marketing professionals to make more informed color choices regarding new products and packaging.

2021's Colors: Warm and Yellow Tones

Judith van Vliet also noted: "While green tones dominated in 2020, warm orange and yellow tones take center stage in 2021. Different shades of blue and green, ranging from deep night tones to soft water tones, maintain their importance. Bright tones give an artificial feel and are used alongside captivating dark tones. The lilac tones from the previous version have transformed into deeper tones, adding mystery and depth to a generally vibrant color palette," she said.