Published 04 December 2023

Authors
Sioban Imms
10 min read

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream worldwide (WHO, 2023). Innovative consumer electronics brands are responding with recycled, repairable and partly bio-based products. Meanwhile, others seek to captivate, connect and calm consumers with wellness-infused hues, storied surfaces and homely aesthetics. We round up the key colour, material and finish (CMF) trends from across the sector.

Recycled & Repairable

Crafted Naturals

Homely & Harmonious

Wellness-Infused Hues

Storied Surfaces

Adventure-Ready Tech

Luxury Expression

Upbeat & Playful

Ultra-Minimal

In a bid to reduce the ecological footprint of electronic devices, brands are emphasising recycled materials, repairability and elevated aesthetics for reprocessed resources, with a focus on earth tones and playful modularity. Companies with robust sustainability commitments are also exploring ethical solutions to address social issues linked with supply chains.

In a bid to reduce the ecological footprint of electronic devices, brands are emphasising recycled materials, repairability and elevated aesthetics for reprocessed resources, with a focus on earth tones and playful modularity. Companies with robust sustainability commitments are also exploring ethical solutions to address social issues linked with supply chains.

Summary

Recycled & Repairable

In a bid to reduce the ecological footprint of electronic devices, brands are emphasising recycled materials, repairability and elevated aesthetics for reprocessed resources, with a focus on earth tones and playful modularity. Companies with robust sustainability commitments are also exploring ethical solutions to address social issues linked with supply chains.

Crafted Naturals

Bio-based plastics sourced from renewable materials like wheat straw and flax are now being integrated into everyday electronics, including cables, providing a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived products. Additionally, bamboo and wood, chosen for their acoustic and aesthetic properties, are finding increased use in innovative applications.

Homely & Harmonious

Homely aesthetics inform unobtrusive devices that seamlessly blend with contemporary domestic settings. Neutral white, grey, beige and blush tones, coupled with tactile materials, bring a familiar, comforting and reassuring quality. The prevailing 'quiet luxury' trend caters to those seeking stylish design with discreet functionality.

Wellness-Infused Hues

Contemporary CMF narratives embrace wellness, introducing dynamic qualities to uplift and inspire consumers. Energising shades of purple, pink and orange evoke the calming hues of sunset skies, while soft pastel greens create a sense of botanical serenity. Pearlescent finishes offer a refreshing direction.

Storied Surfaces

Characterful consumer electronics, embellished with decorative patterns, craft details and rich textures, align with the burgeoning trend for storied products (see Evolving Luxury Materials). These devices serve as vessels for storytelling, reflecting diverse cultures, histories and personal narratives, as explored in our A/W 25/26 Colour & Materials Direction Borderless

Adventure-Ready Tech

Catering to adventurous athletes, explorers and fitness enthusiasts, outdoor tech designed to empower outdoor lifestyles is undergoing rigorous testing to ensure maximum resilience and durability. Key attributes include dust- and water-resistance – setting new standards for durability and innovation – and camouflaging colours.

Luxury Expression

As highlighted in Tech Redefines Luxury, the saturation of consumer devices has diminished the prestige associated with upgrading to the latest smartphone. Lacklustre launches are leading people to seek out unique and exclusive designs, favouring rare items with striking and unconventional CMF.

Upbeat & Playful

Space-efficient appliances and miniature portable devices adopt cute and Kawaii aesthetics, featuring sweet pastel colours and lively animated designs that resonate with both children and adults. Joyful hues, such as sunny yellow, play a pivotal role in infusing brightness and optimism into personal accessories, creating a whimsical and light-hearted quality.

Ultra-Minimal

As forecast in Clean Reset, one of our Colour & Material Directions for S/S 2024, a yearning for pleasing simplicity inspires a sleek aesthetic tailored for modern electronics. Crystal clear housing highlights technical precision, while minimal designs in essential white and grey tones are enlivened with bright accents.

CMF Industry View: Consumer Electronics 24/25

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