The smart packaging industry is estimated to reach nearly $40 billion by 2020.Thanks to modern companies looking for innovative and sustainable packaging, the demand in the smart packaging market is on the rise. Smart packaging involves a combination of specialized materials, science, and technology, and has the power to reduce food waste, enhance the shelf life of products, reduce loss, damage, waste, and cost in the supply chain. In the pharma industry, it can improve patient compliance and security, as well as help, improve anti-counterfeiting measures. The combination of several tools like brand protection, safety, convenience, and conveying product information, makes smart packaging a powerful tool in the packaging industry. It also has the potential to make a significant contribution towards enhancing the reach of a brand. Here are five ways in which smart packaging benefits companies:
Stay relevant
Smart packaging means improved customer interface. Tech-savvy customers use newer forms of media or technology platforms. When brands engage on these platforms, they stand a higher chance of staying relevant in the consumer’s life. Also, it gives the opportunity for companies to connect with their existing as well as potential customers. Brands which do not project themselves as technologically advanced often fail to grab customer attention and also end up being labeled as outdated.
Empowering customers
The smart codes that are embedded on to packages compile more information. This helps consumers in making informed purchase decisions. Additionally, manufacturers can supply information on sourcing, nutritional values, dietary concerns, etc. to the consumer through a QR (Quick Response) code. Advanced technologies in the packaging industry such as RFID (radio-frequency identification), NFC (near-field communication), and smart labels will further empower customers and help brands maintain a loyal customer base in the long run.
Quality control
One of the significant concerns of brands is to enhance the shelf-life of their products. Smart packaging calibrates itself in accordance with the ambiance outside and inside the package. A popular example is that of color changing plastic that can detect food spoilage and communicate the same to the retailers and consumers. Also, Time Temperature Indicator Plastics help in detecting the loss of quality of the products packed. Food labels that indicate the state of quality/freshness of the packaged products are the fast-movers from the retail shelves.
Tracking products
Several top organizations are leveraging intelligent packaging systems to track products in the supply chain. Smart packaging has made monitoring the quality and detecting loss of quality of the products packed a much simpler process. From tracking supply chains to monitoring customer behavior, smart packaging has now made it possible for the brands to connect, capture, monitor and receive business intelligence.
Increased sustainability
Smart packaging helps reduce the impact of packaging on the environment, opening more sustainable packaging options for brands. Furthermore, it has proven to be economical and cost-effective, giving companies a competitive edge by reduction at source and thereby leaving reduced carbon footprints.
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