PPG Industries and its legendary brand Glidden introduced their 2025 Color of the Year, “Purple Basil” (PPG1046-7), on May 3, 2025, striking a dramatic note for international design trends.
This rich, muted violet with mauve undertones, defined as versatile and adaptive, heralds a move toward deeper, more sophisticated colors in interior and exterior environments.
As India’s USD 3.5 trillion economy propels a ₹70,000 crore coating market, spurted by growth in infrastructure and housing, Purple Basil’s introduction provides MSMEs and designers the opportunity to synchronize with international styles, although difficulties such as skill shortages and regulatory lag may impede takeoff.
Purple Basil, a subtle mix of warmth and sophistication, mirrors an increasing trend among consumers for hues that promote relaxation and imagination, according to PPG’s 2025 Global Color Forecast. Amy Donato, senior color marketing manager at PPG, said in noting its versatility that, “Purple Basil goes well with neutrals such as gray and taupe or bold accents such as coral and is great for minimalist and maximalist designs,” according to a 2025 PPG press release.
The color’s versatility ranges across residential, business, and automotive use, keeping pace with a 7% CAGR rate in the worldwide decorative coatings market, expected to hit USD 20 billion in 2030, according to a 2024 ResearchAndMarkets study.
The release, one of PPG’s annual trend-setting initiatives, is based on comprehensive research into fashion, design, and consumer trends. Purple Basil’s range caters to a post-COVID need for comforting yet assertive looks, as 60% of designers polled preferred darker colors in 2024, according to a 2024 Architectural Digest report.
For India, Purple Basil means opportunities to take its coatings and design industries to the next level. The market, supported by the infrastructure boost from PM Gati Shakti and housing demand from Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), has MSMEs providing 40% of coating inputs, as per a 2024 CII report.
Designers in Mumbai and Bengaluru are embracing international trends, with 25% of 2024 projects featuring bold colors, as per a 2024 Elle Decor India report. Government programs such as the ₹50,000 crore Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme facilitate MSME innovation, generating 30% of industry output.
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) enhances MSME market access by 25%, according to a 2024 SIDBI report. There are challenges. Skill gaps, where merely 5% of Skill India’s 2 million trained personnel are skilled in sophisticated coating application, constrain adoption of subtle shades such as Purple Basil, according to a 2024 Nasscom report. MSMEs face compliance costs of ₹1–2 lakh monthly, hindering global trend integration.
Infrastructure gaps, like inconsistent power, disrupt production, affecting 20% of units. Regulatory delays in eco-friendly paint certifications, taking 4–6 years versus China’s 2, slow market alignment.
Global trade volatility, impacting 30% of India’s chemical imports, adds pressure, per a 2024 UNCTAD report.
Experts offer remedies. Subsidies from the Technology Upgradation Scheme can make MSME expenses easier. Scaling up Skill India’s coating training can fill gaps. Increasing 5G and power reliability through PM Gati Shakti will smooth production. Public-private partnerships with IITs can create sustainable paint technology.
CII-conducted campaigns can promote ONDC adoption and trend awareness.
PPG and Glidden’s Purple Basil, a dynamic yet earthy color, creates a transformative mood for the design landscape in 2025. For India, adopting this trend can enhance its coatings market and international design stature.
Through overcoming skill, infrastructure, and regulatory impediments, India can color a resplendent future, aligning with a Viksit Bharat by 2030.