PITTSBURGH, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PPG Industries has announced it is unveiling Trendcast Styling Directions 3 -- the next generation in comprehensive color, finishes and technology for designers of consumer products during this week's Consumer Electronics Show. PPG's unique tool empowers designers creatively by enabling them to combine finishes and experiment with effects in ways that have never been offered.

According to Petra L'Abbe, PPG Global Market Manager, the introduction of Trendcast 3 was planned to coincide with the Consumer Electronics Show because the tool was created specifically for consumer products designers, who continue to face daunting challenges in regard to consumer appeal, functionality and production.

"The consumer is becoming more discerning and demanding every year, and the role of design and aesthetics continues to be a critical element in the success of new product development," L'Abbe said. "With Trendcast Styling Directions 3, we have the research and technology to offer new ways to combine color, aesthetics and finishes -- the special effects that can differentiate consumers' purchasing decisions. CES is the logical backdrop for the unveiling of this powerful tool."

According to the Color Marketing Group (CMG), a worldwide organization of color experts, the color of a product alone can increase brand recognition and is the reason customers choose one product over another 85 percent of the time. With Trendcast 3, designers can combine color, texture and aesthetics to create a finish with emotional impact that reflects current and future consumer trends.

Created by PPG's global color styling team, Trendcast Styling Directions 3 is the culmination of in depth strategic research by stylists based in multiple studio locations in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. The team monitors changes in various markets and provides cross-market trend intelligence to bring designers the latest in colors, aesthetics, special effects, textures and technology from around the world. The result is a portfolio of innovative tools developed by designers for designers, providing comprehensive coverage of global macro trends yet still allowing for regional individuality.

Because they work closely with PPG's technical experts, PPG's stylists can assure designers that coatings meet their performance and aesthetic requirements and are production feasible anywhere in the world.

"We have a reputation as world-class experts in color and coatings, and our role in the consumer products industry is evolving," L'Abbe said. "We have long offered designers much more than the latest color choices. PPG's technological capabilities and global reputation give designers assistance at all levels of the design and production process."

The new Trendcast Styling Directions 3 tool includes unique aesthetics that combine coatings with other finishing technologies as well as combinations of different coating technologies such as powder and liquid. The tool addresses the increasing emphasis on environmental consciousness with the inclusion of "green" technologies PPG has developed.

For more information about Trendcast Styling Directions 3, call 1.877.PPG.TREND.

About PPG

Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company has manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in more than 30 countries. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange . For more information, visit http://www.ppg.com/.

CONTACT: Petra L'Abbe of PPG Industrial Coatings, +1-412-434-2313,
plabbe@ppg.com; or Dena Rose of Rose, Stein, and Associates, +1-412-481-5807,
drose@rosestein.com, for PPG Industries

Web site: http://www.ppg.com/