Which colour packaging will be big in 2006?
that it believes will set the trend for cosmetic and toiletry
products during the course of the next two years - and it is orange
that looks set to make it big.
The New York-based company says the palette has been derived from a broad research into colour influences, preferences and trends.
"We monitor societal, political, economic and other influences to create a palette that provides a fresh interpretation of colour categories in a changing world," said Linda Carroll, market development manager.
"Our overriding goal is to help those who use our colour masterbatches to create aesthetically pleasing packaging that appeals to consumers and moves our clients's brand off the shelf."
And according to Carroll's research the big colour in 2006 and beyond is going to be orange, which will put up stiff competition with the ever-popular red.
"Orange is present in the 2007 palette in a range of values from high chroma to pale-blush peach. Purple in all its variants is also coming front and centre as a strong influence."
Research included four areas: cultural activities, consumer attitudes, geophysical and economic transitions. Carroll says that an all-encompassing theme is the growing demand for individuality from consumers, something that is having a big affect on the palette range.
Carroll identifies two micro trends, the increase in hybrid households and the shifting of traditional roles within the family unit. As a result of this colors in these type of households tend to be non-gender specific to allow for strong self-expression.
This has led to the merging of pinks and yellows, colours that until now have been traditionally viewed as independent. Ampacet has even given a name to this range, Cryptic Coral.
Consumer democracy, born from individualization and empowerment, has also led to greater demands for personalised specifications and subtle luxury. In turn this is generating diverse niche markets, for which packaging manufacturers must respond to.
According to Carroll the demands for niche packaging is yielding colours that express personalisation and strength. Again orange, backed up by gold undertones, becomes an important part of this category, something the company calls its Sunkissed Orange.
Backing up Ampacet's theory that orange is going to become increasingly important in the future is the recent lauch of L'Oreal Men's Expert range of skin care products. The packaging, which is highlighted with bold orange trim and detail, has helped to make the line a tremendous success, despite early reservations by some about the color choice.
