GRAFE presents the colour trends for 2026/27 – between reality, emotion, and the future
With GRAFEColors 2026/27, the GRAFE DESIGN CENTER presents a collection that picks up on precisely this interaction. It combines global trend research with material technology expertise – and translates social, ecological, and digital influences into five harmonious color worlds. Each of them tells its own story, inspired by emotion, zeitgeist, and future thinking.
Color trends emerge from many sources
"We analyze seasonal color trends from leading institutes such as WGSN, Coloro, and C2, as well as global megatrends with long-term influence," explains Lars Schulze, Head of Color Development and Material Sciences at GRAFE. "In addition, we incorporate forecasts from certified color systems such as Pantone and RAL." What makes GRAFE special is that trend analysis does not end on paper. It is translated into real polymer worlds. To this end, existing formulations, customer inquiries, and material innovations from a wide range of industries are evaluated. The result is a trend portfolio with two years of relevance that provides designers and product developers with reliable guidance while demonstrating technical feasibility. Color trends never work in isolation. While the fashion industry thinks in rapid cycles, industries such as automotive, medical technology, and household appliances follow long-term color concepts. "We observe a parallelism of different trend cycles, all of which have their justification," says Schulze. "Our goal is to connect these worlds and make them individually usable for each industry."
Five worlds of inspiration
The new GRAFEColors 2026/27 collection combines the past, present, and future. It reflects both the desire for stability and the longing for change.
Urban Nostalgics
Warm earth tones full of comfort meet metallic reflections. This palette stands for authenticity, craftsmanship, and a sense of permanence—perfect for brands that combine tradition with modern elegance.
Nomads Between Worlds
Bright neon colors and mystical blue symbolize the fusion of reality and virtuality. Here, courage, digital energy, and a spirit of experimentation come together – an expression of a generation that lives between physical and digital spaces.
Sensual Spheres
Delicate cream and water tones create an atmosphere of calm and trust. They combine technology with empathy and are particularly suitable for care, hygiene, and wellness products where emotional closeness counts.
Natural Resilience
Cool blue and mint tones reflect the vulnerability but also the resilience of nature ( ). This world stands for regenerative materials, mindfulness, and sustainable design—a quiet but strong color palette.
Joyful Uprising
Optimism, joie de vivre, and creativity in a colorful, vibrant mix. These colors appear young, inspiring, and energetic—ideal for brands that celebrate diversity and courage.
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From trend to haptic experience
What makes GRAFEColors unique is the combination of design and material expertise. The color worlds are not just theoretical – they are realized in plastic. The accompanying sample box allows the trend colors to be experienced haptically: hexagonal tiles in a striking shape show how color, surface, and effect pigments work in different polymers. Conventional plastics such as PA, PAGF30, SAN, and PETG, as well as recycled materials (rPETG) and bio-based alternatives such as PLA, PHA, and ARBOBLEND V2. Whether opaque, translucent, or transparent, the samples demonstrate the enormous design range that GRAFE offers its customers. This makes the trend brochure a practical tool for design, marketing, and product development.
Color as a strategic brand factor
In dynamic markets such as packaging, cosmetics, and consumer goods, color trends are more than just decoration—they are a strategic means of differentiation. Colors convey brand values, evoke emotions, and strengthen recognition. "Color is the language with which products tell their story," emphasizes Lars Schulze. But trends cannot be transferred one-to-one. They must fit the brand identity, target group, and lifespan of the product. While striking signals are in demand in fashion, timeless accents that radiate consistency are more important for durable goods. Successful brands therefore translate color trends into their own visual language – subtle, characteristic, and credible.
Shaping the future – in color and emotion
With GRAFEColors 2026/27, the masterbatcher from Blankenhain proves once again that technological precision and emotional design are not a contradiction. The collection opens up new possibilities for translating future topics such as digitality, sustainability, individualization, and material diversity into color – and making them visible and tangible for the end customer. Color thus becomes a bridge between brand and people, between rational function and emotional value. It gives products character and relevance – today, tomorrow, and beyond the trend.
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GRAFE Polymer Solutions GmbH
Color masterbatches, additive masterbatches, combibatches, compounded materials.
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