Integrating IoT into Packaging 

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 

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.