The future of smart and connected packaging

Smart packaging is more important than ever. Near-field communication (NFC) and QR codes have been utilized more generally and supported by the majority of iOS and Android smartphones because of the epidemic. But first, one must ask what the difference is between smart packaging and connected packaging.

Smart packaging, according to the definition of one expert, is “packaging that uses technology not only for storage but also for more.” Smart packaging often makes use of technology that allows consumers to obtain information about the product or brand.

The term “connected packaging” refers to the integration of hardware and software used in electronic items. Connected packaging is found in nearly all retail product categories, including toys, cosmetics, games, and clothing. A QR code or an NFC label may be included on the product packing for connected packaging applications.

Packaging that is connected and intelligent has revolutionized the industry.

Intelligent packaging is not an innovation in the food industry. It’s generally utilized to follow products from their manufacturers through their retail locations. Barcodes, RFID tags, QR codes, and electronic chips are some of the options. It may also be used to deliver information about items or enable consumers to participate in marketing initiatives like Black Friday sales.

The field of intelligent packaging has evolved into a genuine business in recent years, which may be connected to consumer worries over the origin of their meals. According to Accuracy Research’s research, the worldwide smart packaging market will increase by 5.4% over the next ten years and reach $52 billion by 2025.

Customers can use their smartphone to find out exactly which farm their food comes from, as well as how far it has travelled and how long it will be stored, thanks to smart packaging. In addition to provenance information, several firms are interested in including useful information into their packaging’s, such as usage instructions or recipe suggestions.

This connected packaging is a new type of message interaction between a brand and customer. It is possible to provide consumers with contests, games, advertising for additional items using this method of communication.

Intelligent packaging is also beneficial to the environment. Indeed, there is an environmental effect: for example, it’s possible to tell when an item’s expiration date is getting close, thereby reducing food waste; it’s also possible to report on how to recycle the packaging.

What does the future hold for smart and connected packaging?

Appetite Creative thinks that clever and connected packaging will continue to develop, and it has a fascinating future.

First and foremost, connected content is getting more accurate and useful every day, especially in the food industry, where a package may now notify customers if an item is out of date. Smart packaging can now be used to remind patients to take their medicine and remind them of expiration dates in the healthcare business.

We anticipate that the outcomes of connected packaging will get more customized and personalized. The data collected from each package will be tailored to the needs of every unique customer, allowing for more targeted information and experience. Every client will have a better-connected experience with the product they purchased.

RFID sensors will soon be available to consumers, as manufacturers continue to develop new applications that utilize this technology. Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing RFID technologies in their production processes and creating more useful items for customers. It will also allow the product package to learn about the current condition of the goods, which can be beneficial in several industries, such as food.

These sensors may be used to transmit information across hundreds of miles or even more. This technology may notify a farmer that these products were exposed to inclement weather on their journey from farm gate to point-of-sale and therefore won’t be edible.

More powerful AI and AR will be used to give results based on consumer behaviour and desire. Augmented reality is a technology that allows the packaging to become an interactive experience. These experiences may assist businesses in highlighting their values, offers, and promises.

Consumers will be able to access this information through informative, entertaining, and engaging content via augmented reality. For example, it may allow you to “meet” the company’s president or a worker. Combining storytelling and AR enhances the connection between you and your customer by imparting an additional sense of proximity. We can see in the future increasingly sophisticated and varied AR content designed specifically for consumers.

With on-pack digital chips linked to their smartphones, we may soon see packaging communicating directly with customers. The consumer will not have to search for a code or tag to scan; instead, the product will send information about the expiration date or how to recycle the goods automatically to their phone.

One of the most essential priorities for smart and connected packaging in the future is that it provides a good experience for consumers by providing them access to transparent information. It’s a fantastic tool for brands to better understand their clients and the environment, as it allows them to reduce food waste while also encouraging recycling.

So, there’s a lot of potential in connected and intelligent packaging! Packaging has a long history and appears to have a bright future, whether it’s for commercial, advertising, or environmental reasons. They give the consumer an engaging, informative, and entertaining experience while maintaining brand visibility.

The present health situation has prompted us all to scan restaurant tables and shop entrances to find out more… a practice that, we may safely assume after the Covid era, will endure. As a result, it’s time to include cognitive and linked packaging into your brand strategy!

If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to contact Appetite Creative about connected packaging projects for your business. You may also see our past connected packaging initiatives such as Tetra Pak, Vodafone, or Rani Juice if you like.