Ultraviolet: The Pantone Colour of 2018

February 1, 2018 |

Every year, researchers at the Pantone Colour Institute identify and analyze colour trends in entertainment, fashion, sports, design, and technology to determine the colour of the year. This colour goes on to dictate future design, fashion and packaging trends, but also reflects consumers’ desires.

“The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” says Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

Pantone colour/s of the year: 2015-2017

In the past, Pantone colours of the year have gone on to permeate packaging trends.

For 2017, the colour of the year was Greenery (15-0343).

In 2016 there were two colours of the year — Rose Quartz (13-1520) and Serenity (15-3919).

And in 2015 the colour of the year was a warm, earthy red called Marsala (18-1438).

Ultra Violet (18-3838): Pantone colour of the year 2018

Ultra Violet (18-3838) is a blue-based purple. “We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to Pantone 18-3838 ultra violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level,” said Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone colour institute.

Ultraviolet is symbolic of individuality, creativity, and artistic brilliance all excellent characteristics for your packaging to emulate. According to Pantone,“Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultraviolet.” For example,“Purple Rain” was the name of the recording artist Prince’s 1984 iconic album. Other mystical musical legends like David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix also played with hues of ultraviolet.

If you want to refresh your brand with a trendy, powerful and creative colour, then ultraviolet is a great colour to incorporate into your packaging.

Ultra violet paired with gold can create a luxurious finish as shown below.

Historically, purple, ultra violet’s parent colour has long been associated with royalty, power, and magic. Give your packaging a powerful revamp this year with Pantone’s colour of the year: ultraviolet.