Every year, design professionals, artists, fashion houses, and yes, printers, wait for Pantone’s big reveal.
What is the Pantone Color of the Year? Why did they choose it? How will it influence packaging, branding, and product design?
In this article, we’ll break down the most popular Pantone Color of the Year, what it represents, how it shows up in packaging trends, and how you can incorporate it into your own printed materials, whether you’re in F&B, luxury, FMCG, or retail.
Pantone is the global color authority. Its Pantone Matching System (PMS) is the universal color language used in fashion, design, digital, and especially in printing. The Pantone Color of the Year is more than just a trend; it sets the tone (literally) for creative industries worldwide.
Chosen through a mix of global trend forecasting, cultural analysis, and emotional influence, this annual color becomes a visual mood that brands often adopt for packaging refreshes, seasonal campaigns, and limited editions.
Most Popular Pantone Color of the Year – Iconic Shades That Defined Design Trends
1. Pantone 15-0343 Greenery (2017)
Why it became iconic:
Symbolizing renewal, health, and sustainability, Greenery reflected the booming wellness and eco-conscious movement of the late 2010s. Its fresh, citrusy tone was used widely across organic food, skincare, and nature-first branding.
Used in:
Juice packaging
Sustainable skincare boxes
Kraft paper combos and eco-tag printing
Famous brand example:
Whole Foods and Tropicana incorporated Greenery in limited-edition campaigns and seasonal packaging refreshes to signal freshness and nature.
2. Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet (2018)
Why it became iconic:
A mysterious, celestial purple that sparked creativity and futurism. Ultra Violet found success in tech, beauty, and luxury event branding, especially where brands wanted to look bold and expressive.
Used in:
Fragrance boxes
Festival merchandise
Creative packaging sleeves
Famous brand example:
MINI (BMW) used Ultra Violet accents in its 2018 campaign showcasing limited-edition car models and accessories to reflect bold individuality.
3. Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue (2020)
Why it became iconic:
Stable, elegant, and universally appealing, Classic Blue represented dependability in a time of global uncertainty. It offered flexibility across consumer and corporate branding.
Used in:
Corporate stationery
Water bottles and beverage cans
Minimalist skincare boxes
Famous brand example:
Facebook refreshed multiple campaign visuals and design elements using Classic Blue in 2020 to reinforce trust and community.
4. Pantone 17-5104 & 13-0647 Ultimate Gray & Illuminating (2021)
Why it became iconic:
This dual color choice—neutral gray and sunny yellow—captured resilience and optimism during the post-pandemic recovery era. Their contrast made them a visual metaphor for balance.
Used in:
Medical packaging
Household and office supplies
Functional product lines
Famous brand example:
Lego released a limited set incorporating Ultimate Gray & Illuminating bricks to promote resilience and creativity in kids during lockdown recovery.
5. Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta (2023)
Why it became iconic:
Energetic and powerful, Viva Magenta bridged the natural and digital worlds. Its striking hue made it perfect for luxury packaging, modern beauty brands, and artistic campaigns.
Used in:
Foiled perfume boxes
Bold retail bags
Artistic box sleeves
Famous brand example:
Motorola launched the Edge 30 Fusion Viva Magenta Edition, directly partnering with Pantone to showcase the color in both the phone and packaging.
6.Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz (2024)
Why it became iconic:
A soft, human-centered pastel that radiated warmth, care, and tenderness—Peach Fuzz was ideal for wellness and gifting. It felt personal, calming, and lovingly designed.
Used in:
Skincare jars and outer boxes
Dessert boxes with matte lamination
Spa product kits
Famous brand example:
Nivea integrated Peach Fuzz into limited edition packaging for skincare launches to reinforce softness and skin-nourishing care.
How Pantone Colors Influence Packaging & Print Trends
1. Limited Editions That Pop
Brands release seasonal or one-time editions in the Pantone Color of the Year to create freshness, FOMO, and trend alignment.
Example: A chocolate brand launching a Valentine’s range in Peach Fuzz and Gold Foil.2. Rebrands and Refreshes
3. Mood-Based Visual Campaigns
Color Matching in Printing – Why It Matters
Printing in the exact Pantone shade is tricky unless you work with experts.
At Veesham, we use calibrated systems and spot color formulas to ensure your packaging, boxes, and labels match Pantone shades perfectly, whether you’re printing on coated paper, kraft board, or luxury cardstock.
Your Takeaway
Yes, especially if your brand relies on visual storytelling, seasonal relevance, or consumer emotion.
Colors evoke feelings. When you align your packaging or print collaterals with the most popular Pantone Color of the Year, you’re not just following a trend, you’re tapping into what the world is feeling.
At Veesham Printing Press, we help brands apply global color trends to real-world packaging, from foil-stamped gift boxes to eco-friendly tissue wraps, and luxury event kits to mass-produced FMCG packaging.