Smart packaging is something many businesses are using that takes them to the future. Known by some as connected packaging, it’s the digitization of packaging to engage with customers better, verify something is authentic, and provide a unique way to trace the journey of a product.
Through QR codes and AR technology, these sensors on the packaging can give you some integral information about the product itself. Currently, brands are adopting this so that many times, they’re able to give customers the ideal experience.
Smart Packaging Types
There are two different types of smart packaging. These are active packaging, and intelligent packaging.
Active packaging creates different environments for the packaging based on environmental stimuli. So, when it gets too cold, it can naturally warm up, and vice versa. In hot climates, this also may control the moisture too, so that it doesn’t seep into the product, or impact the packaging.
The second is intelligent packaging. These are RFID and QR codes, and also sensors too. with this, it provides unique real-time data about the item inside. the QR code might take you to ingredient stats and other important consumption information.
RFID helps with ensuring hat the product is authentic, something a lot of luxury brands take advantage of.
Who uses this
It’s actually far more common than you’d think.
Food and beverage industries use this in order to ensure that the packaging stays hot and cool for the customer.
Various pharmaceuticals will also utilize this, especially if the item is very temperature-sensitive. They will utilize this technology in order to ensure that the medications aren’t compromised.
Finally, electronics. QR codes are used to offer unique setup instructions that will help people use this better.
The Benefits
The benefits of this type of packaging are being experienced by many.
First it does ensure a better shelf life and product safety. With this packaging, you can get real-time data on if the item is suitable for consumption, and the real sell-by/use by date. If it’s not fresh, you can toss it out, saving you from foodborne diseases due to items inside.
It also improves the supply chain management. You can track where something is in real-time, so you’re not sitting here waiting for updates.
Finally, with QR codes that take you to various product information and social media pages, it improves the engagement with customers, and gives them all the information about their product, conveniently on their phone or tablet.
Considerations and Challenges in employing This
Smart technology is taking the world by storm, but there are various challenges that come with this.
First, we’ve got the cost implications. It costs a lot to implement, and smaller businesses might not be able to offer this immediately for their customers. Take a look and see if this type of technology is right for you.
There are also technological limitations. Sure, it gives a lot of data, but it might not provide everything a customer needs to know about the item, and there are instances where supply chain information might be off.
Finally, there are the security considerations. It does require users to fork over some aspects of their data, and they might not want to do it.
But we are seeing more of this in various sectors. While it might not work for everyone, it has a strong foundation in these fields, giving customers a different means to create the ideal experience that they can, and one that will benefit not just them, but the customers that they have as well, create the best possible experience rendered.
