The world of packaging keeps getting more advanced. Materials improvements such as post-consumer recycled packaging have helped reduce waste and make our world a little greener. Other advanced such as temperature and acidity indicators keep consumers informed. However, the true cutting edge may be in connected packaging.
What Is Connected Packaging?
This is a type of packaging that is connected to a digital or other supplementary experience. Typically, this is achieved with a QR code, barcode or image recognition. Smart flexible packaging with QR codes can help brands extend the buying experience to include content beyond the packaging itself.
It may sound strange at first; however, connected packaging is providing a new frontier to product-based businesses, especially those in the food industry. Simply put, it is a way to increase value for consumers and enhance customer engagement without direct changes to the product.
What Are Some Examples of Connected Experiences?
The potential for creativity within the connected packaging space is significant. There are myriad ways that brands can extend the buying experience. For example, many consumers are very health conscious today. So, you could connect your packaging with more in-depth nutritional information or healthy recipes that include your product.
Another example is providing relevant safety information. You may have child proof mylar bags and want to offer more details about how to safely store your product in the home. This can be a great way to show that your brand is responsible and conscientious while also helping address customer concerns.
Of course, the connected experience does not have to be purely informational. Another option is to provide games or interactive experiences. You could also provide discounts for customers who check out the QR code. Alternatively, combine the two and have people play for discounts on future purchases. This can be a great way to increase engagement and improve the chances of earning a repeat customer.
In short, there are a lot of things you can do with connected packaging. If you can create it online, you can connect it to your package.
What Are the Benefits of Connected Packaging?
The most obvious benefit of connected packaging is that it gets customers engaging with your brand for longer. However, there is a lot more to it than this.
For example, you can tackle common customer questions or concerns that may normally prevent a sale. Additionally, you can provide extra motivation for buying with tools such as sales promotions.
Recipes and similar supplementary information can enhance education. Overall, the benefit of connected packaging is that you can motivate more sales and increase customer lifetime value. Plus, it can be done at a relatively minimal cost by simply printing some QR codes or scannable images on packages.
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Connected packaging may be the future for food products. If you want to create ways to engage your customers more deeply, this may be the answer. It gives you a pathway between your product in the store and your digital presence. Plus, with strong motivators such as discounts, you can encourage consumers to take part. Discover more today.