Smart Packaging

Smart Packaging concept allows food manufacturers to print a Dynamic QR code on every package. Credit: Tetra Pak.

Food processing and packaging solutions company Tetra Pak has introduced its new Smart Packaging concept for liquid food packaging in India.

The concept allows manufacturers to print a Dynamic QR code on every package, which can be scanned using ordinary smartphones.

Dynamic QR code technology allows companies to be transparent and offers complete information on their products to consumers.

Companies can also use the packaging to introduce consumer engagement programmes such as a ‘scratch and win’ contest, a unique identifier for an online competition, and a loyalty token.

The technology also enables companies to provide information about the nearest recycling centre by leveraging the post-consumer recycling value chain.

Tetra Pak South Asia managing director Ashutosh Manohar said: “With the rising number of smartphones and internet penetration in the country, India provides a perfect opportunity for smart packaging technology that uses dynamic QR codes.

“While food safety and traceability, plant productivity and consumer engagement are the most obvious benefits, this technology can be used for many other benefits like sharing information about recycling, and what happens to the carton after use.

“This technology can be used for many other benefits like sharing information about recycling, and what happens to the carton after use.”

“Smart Packaging will not only make the packaging more interactive and act as a medium to create conversations, but it will also allow brands to trace each package throughout its lifecycle from production, through the supply chain, all the way to the consumers, gathering valuable insights along the way.”

Tetra Pak has invested in specialised PICCO printing technology for printing the Dynamic QR codes.

Work on this will be carried out at the company’s manufacturing facility at Chakan, near Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

In the next two to three months, this concept will be trialled with two leading F&B brands to understand consumption patterns and uncover deeper consumer insights.