When you’re designing stand up pouch packaging, have you ever wondered if you could be doing more? Sure, the print may be appealing, but does it offer customers more than something to look at?
If you want to get more out of food containers, you need to consider connected packaging. This innovative design idea has a lot to offer both consumers and businesses.
What Is Connected Packaging?
Also called smart packaging, connected packaging allows consumers and businesses to take full advantage of today’s technology. Each pouch is printed with a unique QR code that provides a wealth of information:
- Where the product was manufactured
- Product use instructions
- Product authentication
Types of Connected Packaging
Connected packaging is part of the Internet of Things, the practical application of the internet via embedded technology. Like any form of technology, the Iot can be used for a variety of purposes. To accommodate businesses’ differing goals, three types of smart packaging are now available: intelligent, interactive and active.
Intelligent Packaging
Though the most expensive form of smart packaging, intelligent packaging earns back the investment by keeping businesses in the know. The containers can exchange information with near-field communication or radio-frequency identification sensors. Through this technology, companies can track shipments’ locations and even learn when a container has been opened.
Interactive Packaging
Interactive packaging takes the smart aspect a step further. Rather than having a simple QR code, these containers have technologically advanced materials, such as specialty substrates, that deliver valuable information. This feature is useful for items that change their state, such as batteries.
Active Packaging
Consumers benefit the most from active packaging, as it communicates information about the product. For example, it can tell consumers where their food came from, if it’s in eco-friendly packaging and whether the product has expired. Of course, businesses benefit indirectly, as customers are more likely to purchase items that offer added value.
What Are the Benefits of Connected Packaging?
Smart packaging is generally more expensive than traditional options, but it’s worth the investment due to the many benefits. For example, connectivity can provide practical applications that increase supply chain efficiency.
Customer Engagement
QR codes can be used for customer engagement in a variety of ways:
- Providing promotions and special offers
- Providing fun facts about the brand or product
- Providing opportunities to enter contests
Another excellent use for smart packaging is requesting feedback. Getting feedback from customers can be challenging, but a QR code gives you direct access to customer opinions. You can even boost engagement by offering a discount in exchange for feedback. If you want to encourage ongoing relationships with customers, you can use QR codes to promote loyalty programs.
Quality Control
Your products have a long way to go before they reach the shelves. If something happens to them during transport, the consumer will hold your company responsible, regardless of who is actually at fault. Investing in smart packaging can help you tackle quality control problems head-on.
One of the best things about connected packaging is that it comes in many different forms. For example, you can get smart flexible packaging for stand-up pouches or smart moisture-resistant packaging for lay-flat bags. Whatever your needs, there’s a connected option out there.
