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The future of packaging

The future of packaging

Exciting things are happening in the world of packaging. Here we’ll show you some great examples from all over the world. We hope you’ll be inspired.

Theme 1: Interactive packaging

The packaging world is becoming more interactive. Exciting technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Near-Field Communication (NFC), enable even a simple card box to entertain or inform the consumer in ways that are both magical and pragmatic.

Not only can artwork itself appear to spring alive but the nature of this new engagement creates a sense of interaction far more immediate and profound than traditional on-pack promotions could ever be.

Theme 1: Interactive packaging

The packaging world is becoming more interactive. Exciting technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Near-Field Communication (NFC), enable even a simple card box to entertain or inform the consumer in ways that are both magical and pragmatic.

Not only can artwork itself appear to spring alive but the nature of this new engagement creates a sense of interaction far more immediate and profound than traditional on-pack promotions could ever be.

The Heinze bottle triggers a recipe book on a smart phone

Augmented Reality on pack

Tomato ketchup market leader Heinz is driving its mobile presence as the first sauce brand to use an augmented reality app for smart phones that magically brings their bottle to live.

Heineken makes their bottle react to the music

Interactive bottles

The Heineken ‘Ignite’ bottle can interact with other Ignite bottles, its environment and the people around it. It enriches social experiences using the bottle and technology in a surprising way.

It can detect various motion types such as cheering, drinking and sitting idle on the bar top. The motions trigger certain light effects lighting up the complete bottle.

Ikea brings their catalogue to life

Interactive catalogue

The 2014 IKEA catalogue gives you the ability to place virtual furniture in your own home with the help of augmented reality.

Simply place the printed IKEA catalogue where you want to put the furniture in your room, choose a product from a selection of the IKEA range and see how it will look in your home.

Lego shows what can be built with the content of the box

Interact with Point-of-sale material

Lego has designed an augmented reality system for use in stores. It offers kids (and parents) the possibility to see what can be built with the content of the box in an interactive three-dimensional way.

Theme 2: Smart Packaging

You probably have already heard of the Internet of Things. This trend will have a huge impact on the packaging domain. Low-cost wireless and disposable electronics can be integrated into packaging and their applications are numerous.

For example: Temperature-sensing devices able to electronically record and communicate min/max

temperatures. Sensors that can record exposure to light, humidity, and even toxic gases. Dynamic pricing displays that automatically discount a product after a certain period of time. One-time-use medical devices such as a blood oxygen sensor for use in homecare. Or memory devices that allow authentication of a branded refill in consumer packaged goods.

Theme 2: Smart Packaging

You probably have already heard of the Internet of Things. This trend will have a huge impact on the packaging domain. Low-cost wireless and disposable electronics can be integrated into packaging and their applications are numerous.

For example: Temperature-sensing devices able to electronically record and communicate min/max

temperatures. Sensors that can record exposure to light, humidity, and even toxic gases. Dynamic pricing displays that automatically discount a product after a certain period of time. One-time-use medical devices such as a blood oxygen sensor for use in homecare. Or memory devices that allow authentication of a branded refill in consumer packaged goods.

Printed electronic labels will enable connectivity in packaging solutions

Printed electronics

Thinfilm is a Norwegian company that manufactures printed electronic memory, sensor and display labels. They bring simple electronic functionality into high-volume, cost-sensitive application areas like packaging.

Watch the video to learn more about the role printed electronics will play in powering connected packaging solutions.

This smart packaging solution vastly improved medication adherence

Change behaviour

Smart packaging can help to change behavior. It can help patients take correct and regular doses of medicines, avoiding complications, as well as costly waste.

The GlowCap is a great example of a connected bottle cap that improves medication adherence through reminders, social feedback, financial incentives and automatic refills. It improved adherence from 71% to 98%!

A packaging solution that can save lives

Smart materials

The ABC Syringe starts off as a clear injection implement, but when it’s exposed to oxygen, the barrel of it turns red, signifying it’s potentially been contaminated.

Theme 3: Print with impact

The latest printing and finishing technologies offer new ways to tell inspirational stories. Especially Digital Printing opens up new possibilities. Technological developments are fast and make Digital Printing increasingly accessible and cost-effective for all kinds of companies, big and small.

Digital Printing has many benefits on offer in terms of personalization, randomization, customer engagement and integration with online campaigns. You can now make every pack truly unique and personal. Print with impact!

Theme 3: Print with impact

The latest printing and finishing technologies offer new ways to tell inspirational stories. Especially Digital Printing opens up new possibilities. Technological developments are fast and make Digital Printing increasingly accessible and cost-effective for all kinds of companies, big and small.

Digital Printing has many benefits on offer in terms of personalization, randomization, customer engagement and integration with online campaigns. You can now make every pack truly unique and personal. Print with impact!

Absolut unique bottles by Absolut wodka

Mass randomization

Absolut adjusted their production process to enable them to manufacture 4 million different bottles. Limit editions on a scale that was unprecedented.

Digital printing opens up great possibilities

Digital Printing

Heineken harnessed the power of digital printing technology. In the ‘Your Heineken’ campaign customers can personalize their own bottles of beer through an online tool.

Get your own personalized Coca Cola can

Mass personalization

The Coca Cola “Share a Coke With . . .” campaign is one the most well-known and effective examples of digital printing. Without digital printing the project would not have been possible.

As part of their campaign, Coca Cola produced over a billion labels; putting the widespread notion that digital is only suitable for short runs into perspective.

Exciting packaging for Bacardi

Elektroluminescent Inks

This folding carton for Bombay Sapphire is printed with actively illuminated surfaces.

The electric current is conducted from a battery at the bottom of the pack and a hidden mechanical switch is triggered when the packaging is picked up from the shelf, causing it to light up.

Theme 4: Future of retail

Retail is changing rapidly. The rise of online retail channels has a huge impact on the retail landscape.

Offline we see new retail concepts popping up that respond to consumer demands for authenticity, sustainability and convenience. These concepts bring forth new and very different packaging requirements and opportunities.

At the same time online retailers have problems with finding packaging solutions that offer good protection, efficient logistics and great unpack experiences. Remember your last online purchase? It was probably delivered in a damaged cardboard box that was too big and very hard to open. Let’s discuss how current developments in retail can affect the packaging solutions of your products.

Theme 4: Future of retail

Retail is changing rapidly. The rise of online retail channels has a huge impact on the retail landscape.

Offline we see new retail concepts popping up that respond to consumer demands for authenticity, sustainability and convenience. These concepts bring forth new and very different packaging requirements and opportunities.

At the same time online retailers have problems with finding packaging solutions that offer good protection, efficient logistics and great unpack experiences. Remember your last online purchase? It was probably delivered in a damaged cardboard box that was too big and very hard to open. Let’s discuss how current developments in retail can affect the packaging solutions of your products.

A great little clip that communicates the new Amazon Frustration Free Packaging

Frustration-Free Packaging

For online retailers the delivery of the product is an import touch point. However, only a small number of online retailers deliver a smooth and pleasant unpack experience.

Amazon works with manufacturers to box products in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging, which reduces the overall amount of packing materials used and offers a better unpack. This great little clip communicates the advantages of Frustration-Free Packaging.

Tesco set up a virtual in a subway in South Korea.

Virtual Subway Store

Grocery chain Tesco wanted to expand their market share in South Korea. Because the people in South Korea work long hours they thought of an efficient way to sell their products.

They put up billboards in subway stations with their range of products, accompanied by QR, or Quick Response codes. All people had to do now is scan the QR codes with their cell phone and the groceries were delivered to their doorsteps.

Application of augmented reality in stores.

Try on a virtual product

This video demonstrates how Augmented Reality technology could transform retail. For instance, shoppers can try on different watches in the virtual watch store.

Nike helps you to choice the right shoe for you running style.

Digital Sales Assistant

This interactive wall helps customers to find out which running shoe is best for their running style. They can also watch Nike’s technical innovations videos, control lighting to highlight the ranges on display, join running clubs, order shoes or request assistance from a staff member.

Do we need packaging after all?

The No-Packaging-Supermarket

Do we need packaging after all? Bag&Buy is a new supermarket that aims to use no or as little packaging as possible. Consumers can bring their jars and bottles and fill them in store with desired quantities.

This is only a small selection of what’s happing in the packaging domain. Ronald is looking forward to discuss the impact of these and other packaging developments on your brand, products and markets.