Integrating IoT into Packaging 

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With the world of packaging there are many new updates. One of them is IoT or the internet of things, which is revolutionary and connects the physical and digital worlds. 

At the base, IoT is basically the connection of devices that allow you to communicate the data that you have without a human intervening. It’s like a web, based digitally in the computer and smartphone, with both every day and technological items that can be implemented to safeguard and protect various items. 

Why it’s Great for Packaging 

These days, it’s a game-changer for a lot of companies. packaging isn’t just a shell for customers to interact with, but instead it’s a participant in the journey that the product goes from manufacturing to the hands of the customer. IoT types of packaging introduce new intelligence that was once thought to only be in science fiction. 

It’s easier to track than ever before, and with the presence of RFID tags, you’re getting real-time tracking data that’s invaluable for supply chains all around.

Think about how the current supply chain is, and how products get handled. With IoT, you’ll be able to find the issues that are relating to theft, delays, even damages, and getting rid of them as you go along. 

Types of IoT Packaging 

There’s a few types of unique IoT packaging ideas that industries can take advantage of.

The first is smart inventory management, which is a view of the inventory that’s used in real time. A lot of smart containers and shelves have different monitors that work with stock levels, and they can reorder the items as soon as they need it, and reduce the instances of overstock or stock outs from going on.

Quality assurance is another. This ensures that the products get transported and stored to the right environments, preventing spoilage and various damages, but also makes sure that the customers and the quality of life products they’re getting are worth it.

There’s also interactive IoT packaging, which is where the packaging literally communicates with the customers. 

NFC tags and QR codes for example offer customers more product information, and help contribute to more interactive experiences of all kinds. 

This encourages not just promotions, but also gets customers to engage with the product, offering new ways for you to get marketing, along with brand loyalty in place. 

What the Future Holds 

The cool thing about this type of packaging is that the benefits are really just the evolution.   IoT is being used right now for smarter packaging practices, reducing the waste of materials, and improving the recycling efforts that are there. this all aligns with the emphasis on the environmental considerations and consciousness that comes along with this.

It also will enhance the consumer experience, and the way that consumers natively interact with their products. Internalized and personalized packaging, and even experiences that are immersive, the sky’s the limit on what you can do with this.

A lot of brands build stronger connections through providing more unique and technology-focused types of experiences that you can enjoy. 

It is also the supply chain revolution that will allow for better management of these industries. Tracking, analytics, and even autonomous systems properly streamline these operations, and reduce the inefficiencies and create a more responsive and resilient type of supply chain that you’ll definitely love.

So yes, IoT is the future, and it’s what will bring you the new wave of changes to your product packaging, enhancing not just the future of what’s there, but also as well, the unique opportunities that will come about as a result of this, making it even more magical than before.   

Interactive Packaging to Engage Consumers 

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People these days love technology., whether it’s their phones or iPad, or even just curling up on the couch to watch some Netflix at the end of the night.

The same goes for packaging.

This is a new trend. People love packaging experiences. While you can offer branded boxes and other fun additives, interactive packaging is where you’re going to shine.

Here, we’ll go over some of the different types of branding connections you can make, especially in order to create a more immersive experience, and how to give them the information that they want.

What information do Customers Want 

Interactive elements aren’t just games, but they can be anything that will add value to the brand.

So for instance, if someone scans a code, they learn about how the item that’s made. That’s a form of interactive packaging.

Tutorials are another, especially if you have an item that people will use.

Sometimes, style guides are added to this, especially for clothing brands. This is a great way to show them unique ways to use the items. 

There are also different ways to offer product information. Nutritional facts, sustainability incentives, and even linking to the brand’s message are all forms of interactive packaging.

It isn’t just games that are printed on the back of the box like how they used to be. With the advent of technology, the sky’s the limit on the way to improve engagement with the products that you have.

Now that you know a little bit about it, let’s talk a little bit about the different types of interactive packaging. 

Augmented Reality (AR) 

This is a form of packaging where reality is bent. So through one’s phone, you get some unique ways to interact with packaging in the real world.

One example of this is when you’re choosing products, you can use AR technology to preview what this will look like. It’s perfect for those who are hesitant on how to pair a dress. Plus, it can incentivize these people to buy more from you.

Augmented reality packaging is really fun, and there’s so many different ways to use it.

QR Codes 

AR codes are everywhere. They take you to sites, product menus, even social media pages.

You can put one of these on the packaging, and in turn, it will take you to imperative information about the brand.

For instance, some medical companies might use this to provide drug facts, rather than putting all of it on the bottle in small text.

QR codes are used in a lot of cases so that people can get more information. While it doesn’t bend reality or make you interact with it in the real world, it definitely can provide you with an experience.

NFC Technology 

Near field technology is wireless technology to allow devices to communicate with each other. 

It can be used to scan passes, offer file transfers, and even trach medical stuff without needing to have to run around looking for files.

It’s less powerful than Bluetooth, but it’s being used in many ways.

Companies use NFC, especially if the product can interact with others.   It also works for scanning different elements, such as warranties and the like.

While not as common as the others, it works.

Interactive packaging makes your brand stand out, and it’s very future-thinking. While there is the downside of it might be costly, there are certain people who use it already. Through this engagement, they’re able to provide users with the ultimate in experiences and smart technology, which can be quite magical to experience. 

How Technology Enhances Health and Wellness Packaging 

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Health and wellness is an industry that’s constantly changing. With new information that is coming down the pipeline, a lot of brands reflect this in the packaging that they have.

One way that this is changing is through the implementation of technology, in of course, the form of smart packaging. Smart packaging for health and wellness is vital for the companies that provide this.

This is because you’re able to integrate technology in order to provide safety regulations and real-time tracking of the items that are there. it in turn will enhance the safety that customers have when using the product, and also can offer tracking of various health statistics, and will also improve engagement.

Here, we’ll go over some of the unique technology utilized in smart packaging to provide customers with just this. 

Sensors for Freshness 

With wellness supplements, you need to stay on the ball regarding if they’re fresh enough to use or not. if they aren’t, they may not offer benefits. 

At worst, it might also cause you to have issues with the product and may cause health issues as a result.

Sensors are now being added to provide freshness indicators and will tell you exactly when the expiration dates are. Some of them offer real-time information on just how fresh the items are and offer real instructions on what to do if the item is not fresh anymore.

This is great, because it means you’re getting the best product possible, and allows you to keep track, so you’re not eating old and stale supplements. 

QR Codes 

Ahh QR codes. Some people love them, some people hate them. However, people like this because it will tell them so much. 

QR codes are little bar codes you can scan, that will take you to pretty much anything. wellness brands use these for usage instructions, and also important expiration dates to be mindful of. 

A lot of brands are using this, rather than littering the box with a bunch of information on directions. It looks cleaner, promotes a more minimalistic approach, and for customers that have trouble reading small lettering, this is better for them. 

NFC Tracking 

NFC Tracking is a wireless type of RFID that offers contactless communication. It means that you can track the location as well to provide security and data. 

Some fitness and medical brands use this with your information, connecting the product to your own personal health. In turn, it can offer data that will help you track not only your product, but also other health statistics as well. 

AR 

Similar to QR codes, this provides information for customers, and it can give them a hands-on approach to certain factors that will allow them to engage with the product.   

For instance, product instructions through AR technology get the customer involved, and by the end they will be able to know exactly how to use it.

Some use this for health tracking as well, which will in turn help with improving one’s own fitness. It’s crazy how nice this works for people! 

Overall, there’s a lot of benefits with technology being implemented into packaging. It helps to monitor the product integrity and gets more people involved. It can tell the customer in real time if there’s been tampering before you get this out of the box.

Bear in mind that this is expensive, so if you plan to implement this, be ready to adjust your budget and costs for the product, and also to offer the best usability for the customers that will be using these healthy products. 

Packaging for the DIY Lovers 

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If you’re a brand that likes to sell DIY kits, whether they’re crafts, projects for the home such as maybe a table, or even electronics and STEM kits, you want to give them something that they will like.

These are insanely popular. A lot of customers both young and old flock to these types of packaging, as they offer you a fun, enjoyable experience of unboxing and assembly, along with the experience that comes with this.

Packaging for the ones who love DIY is as simple as putting together an unboxing and assembly experience. Here, we’ll give you the main elements of these kits, and what you want to give them in order to enhance all of the experiences across the board. 

Everything in One Place 

There’s nothing worse than getting a DIY kit and everything’s just haphazardly thrown together into some kind of messed up mess that makes a person go crazy.

You should have all of the components together. Like items should be next to each other, and you should as well ensure that you have everything neatly thrown together. Putting them in various containers that they can open and set aside will play a huge role in this.

The same goes for instructions as well.  you don’t want to make the project a whole pain to put together. Make sure that all of the instructions are labeled as best as they can. with pictorial evidence of just how to get everything put the way it needs to be. 

Easy Access 

Wrap rage is another big part of unboxing. People hate that, because there’s so much that can come with this, and a lot that can happen as a result of it.   if you have everything in a neat little place it will play a major part in this. people will be happy, and you won’t regret it.

Convenient Storage 

People love it when the boxes that they have are easy to store, so make sure that you put everything in a box that will do its magic.   You’d be surprised at how nice this is, and customers will love it.

Reusable Packaging 

Something new that’s come along as a result of the new era of sustainability, is reusable packaging. A box that can be turned into a project, or even a hanger if the item is some clothes, will definitely be good for you to use. Reusable types of packaging provide you with the items you need in order to make sure that you have it all in the right place. 

Why do This 

When you give the users something to remember, they’ll be ecstatic about it. your packaging isn’t just some cookie-cutter box with a kit inside. but in fact, it’s something that offers a simple and seamless presentation that’s really strong and makes it look really well.

You make the assembly all the easier for you to use, and in turn, you will be able to put together all of these items as much as you can.

The same goes for presentations. People will be wowed if they get something that will really make everything stand out in all sorts of unique ways.

However, when you put this together, make sure that the functionality and visuals are all neatly put together, offering an enhanced experience for all the customers that you have.

When you build the ultimate in DIY, you’ll definitely want to make this good for you, and you’ll be grateful that you did this. offering fun DIY projects builds your brand, and the right packaging will make sure that customers are begging for more. 

Subscription Box Packaging that Shines 

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When you’re putting together subscription boxes, the outside is just as important as what’s inside? If you want to get more people to buy your monthly boxes, then you want to make sure that this is on point. 

How’s this done? Through ensuring that the unboxing experience is what people want. 

Having the best unboxing experience and subscription boxes that look good are a way to ensure that you get better customer retention, and from this, you design stuff that gets customers ready to drop the money and be a loyal fan. 

The elements of subscription Boxes 

There are a few elements of subscription boxes that are worth looking at.

The first of course, is to put together a box that is easy for a person to open. You don’t want it to be something that requires scissors or other tools, because a lot of these people will open these up on camera or live for their audience. 

When you design the outer façade, always have the logo, and ideally some colors to it. make sure that, when the customer gets the box they know it’s you. The Pushed subscription box is a great example of this because their boxes are designed with the cat in mind, so customers will know immediately that it’s from the company.

With the interior, you want to make sure that there is a good balance between product protection and also the aesthetics.   Have the items nearly inside, with some tissue paper there in order to neatly cradle the items. Foam inserts might be used for more fragile products, in order to keep everything neatly housed.

As for the items inside, make sure that they are wrapped so that they can be neatly opened and experienced. This, of course, is simple, as it just requires you to properly unbox the items and really craft an experience that you will enjoy.

The other thing to consider as well is the freebies that come along with this. free gifts of varying sorts are a great addition to the items that are inside, and can really improve the overall state of your items. Definitely make sure that you have this, because if you have something that’s an incentive for this, people will want to buy it. 

The benefits of This 

With subscription box packaging, you will be able to enhance the customer satisfaction that’s there. people will know that you take care of the packaging and are trying to give the ultimate in terms of product types. 

It also bolsters customer loyalty. When they get something that does seem to have care and thought put into it, people will love it. they see the attention to detail that you give this, and they will enjoy the experience.

However, it does pose some challenges. The biggest one is costs. The solution to that is digital printing for the boxes, as there will be large distributions and limited runs.

You also may have issues with the branding and such. some companies might have the money to offer a high-level branding experience. Others might be a different story. Overall, you should look at the current branding elements that you offer and ensure that the premium experience is in place.

With a lot of unboxing experiences, people talk about what’s inside, and the contents. To have a good subscription box packaging you need to do this, and net the results from there, including the ultimate benefit of having more customers that are ready to help you wherever you need it, and will support the new products too.