The industrial coatings division of PPG Industries PPG has shown inspiration and creativity once again with the introduction of the Trendcast Styling Directions 2016 toolkit. This toolkit will enable design leaders in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, interior design and consumer goods, to determine the colors, designs and texture favored by consumers for the next two years. The consensus of 28 PPG specialists from the Americas, Europe and Asia has been reflected in the 45 colors featured in the toolkit. It echoes the future trends in shades, tones, special effects and tactile sensations for coated surfaces and substrates as predicted by the specialists, along with the consumer stylists at PPG. The colors featured on the palette have been divided into four color “stories” namely, I/M Perfect, Hyper HD, Lucid Dreams and Knight’s Watch. The team wanted to leave the interpretation of each division open to the designers’ creative discretion, thus calling it a story. The four divisions represent colors ranging from earthy and organic to glitzy to neutral, and serene pastels to strong and powerful dark shades offset by off-whites. For 2016, the color experts at the company chose Paradise Found, a combination of blue-green, as the shade of the year. The undertones are supposed to make one feel the ease and rejuvenation associated with nature. The four color palettes showcase versatility in the range offered to designers which can be applied in all products, from curtains to smart phones. The company has introduced the toolkit to inspire conversation and creativity among the designers and users, rather than dictating how to use each object or effect provided within. Revenues from the Industrial Coatings segment of PPG rose 2% year on year to $1.37 billion in the first quarter of 2016 backed by an increase in sales volume as well as acquisition related sales, partially offset by currency headwinds. Segment income rose almost 9% from the prior-year quarter to $265 million, due to manufacturing cost efficiencies and benefits from restructuring and acquisitions. The company is taking steps toward its goal of developing and commercializing customer driven technologies and consumer branding strategies. PPG Industries’ shares closed roughly 1.2% higher at $108.73 on May 10. PPG Industries currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Other well-ranked companies in the chemical space include Akzo Nobel N.V. AKZOY, BASF SE BASFY and Innospec Inc. IOSP, all sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report PPG INDS INC (PPG): Free Stock Analysis Report BASF SE (BASFY): Free Stock Analysis Report AKZO NOBEL NV (AKZOY): Free Stock Analysis Report INNOSPEC INC (IOSP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research