Surface World September 2019 Surface World September 2019 | Page 54

PAINT & POWDER increasing importance of individuality for design concepts which is reflected in complex metallics in the beige and gold colour space. Another aspect of life in this region is the exploration of human needs in the context of increasingly automated mobility. Therefore, a selection of colours in EMEA are characterised by an artificial look which deletes effects but adds functionality. This also underlines the approach to pursue progressive ideas. Asia-Pacifi c – Awareness for a new scope of action introduces a balanced palette of warm colours The spirit of multi-facetted life concepts manifests in the awareness of a new scope of action in Asian urban societies. Tradition fuses with new impulses of sustainable production and introduces a balanced palette of warm colours with calm, saturated flops. Moreover, these hues also go beyond the stereotype look of shades and surfaces, with fresh whitish silvers and more complex warm colour spaces. While the technology-friendly mind-set in Asia-Pacific favours bright floating colours such as silky neutral metallics and blues with a slight colour shift, the more emotional face of future automotive technology reveals itself in dark, raw vital colours such as coarse grey metallic or sensual purple. All in all, Asia Pacific’s modest and familiar colour ranges make visionary automotive concepts more applicable. North America – Colour changing hues reflect digital and lifestyle trends The continued fascination with technology in North America, coupled with an engaging and novel approach to ownership and co-creation, results in a change in the colour palette from previous years, manifesting in a more pronounced flip-flop effect in varying hues rather than lightness/ darkness. There is also a softening of the overall texture of the metallic effect. The new look to colour travel comprises the emergent understanding of human interactions with machines, the mind-body duality, and the conflation of the conscious with the subconscious. There’s also the continued emphasis on the marriage of functionality with the aesthetic. Whether it’s creating a broad selection of colours to facilitate the engineering requirements of future transportation or a focus on using colourants and products from eco-friendly sources, the region’s designs are tied to expectations of performance and novelty. Colour expertise of the Coatings division Every year the designers of BASF’s Coatings division translate their findings and predictions of technological and societal change into a collection that will influence automotive colours three to five years into the future. They undergo intensive research into future trends which they use as a foundation for the development of surface, texture and colour positions. As a result, the LIVE 2020 designers present global trends and developments within the regions of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific (AP) and North America (NA). About BASF’s Coatings division The Coatings division of BASF is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings, decorative paints as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. The portfolio is completed by the “Innovation Beyond Paint” program which aims at developing new markets and businesses. We create advanced performance solutions and drive performance, design and new applications to meet our partners’ needs all over the world. BASF shares skills, knowledge and resources of interdisciplinary and global teams for the benefit of customers by operating a collaborative network of sites in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific. In 2018, the Coatings division achieved global sales of about €3.86 billion. Solutions beyond your imagination – Coatings by BASF. For more information about the Coatings division of BASF and its products, visit www.basf-coatings.com - we have everything covered Surface World Live 2020 will be returning to Hall 11 at the NEC in Birmingham. The next show will be held on the 18th & 19th March 2020. If you are interested in booking a stand then call Nigel Bean on 01442 826826 or send him an email at [email protected] 52 SEPTEMBER 2019 twitter: @surfaceworldmag