In today’s fast-paced world, it is no longer just about wrapping products in pretty materials but instead using technology to add value and meet the ever-changing needs of society.
The pandemic has been a catalyst for the smart packaging industry, igniting a spark of innovation and creativity that has propelled it forward in exciting new ways. With the world turning to contactless solutions, the demand for smart packaging has skyrocketed. No longer are we satisfied with just a cardboard box or a plastic bag – we want our packaging to be as intelligent and responsive as the devices we carry in our pockets.
Let us learn more about smart packaging and its benefits from the top Indian corrugated box manufacturer Packman Packaging.
Define Smart Packaging
Smart packaging refers to the use of advanced technologies such as sensors, RFID tags, and QR codes in product packaging. These technologies enable manufacturers to monitor and track their products throughout the supply chain, from production to delivery, and even after they reach the end consumer. Essentially, it is packaging that thinks, communicates, and interacts with the product and consumers, enhancing the user experience while improving the product’s safety, security, and sustainability. By sensing, identifying, evaluating, tracking, and reporting, smart packaging maintains product quality and strengthens seller-buyer relationships.
Smart Packaging is of two types:
1. Active packaging refers to a package that has functions beyond simply containing and protecting a product. It contains substances that absorb moisture, control temperature, or release preservatives to keep the product fresh. It uses materials such as oxygen absorbers, moisture absorbers, antimicrobials, and pH buffers to extend the shelf life of food products. These materials are incorporated into the packaging to help maintain the quality of the food inside during storage and transport.
2. Intelligent Packaging
Intelligent packaging monitors the condition of a product, the package, or its environment during transit and storage. Printed codes or marks, electronic or chemical sensors, or microchip-based solutions (RFID & NFC) provide data about each package.
Benefits of Smart Packaging for Indian Manufacturers
- Enhances product safety and freshness: Smart packaging helps to keep products safe and fresh by controlling temperature and humidity levels, as well as providing tamper-evident seals and other forms of protection against contamination. This enables manufacturers to maintain the quality of their products, even when they are in transit or on store shelves.
- Enhanced customer experience: Enhances customer experience: Smart packaging enables Indian manufacturers to provide customers with high-quality products that are easy to use and that come with useful features, such as interactive labels, QR codes, and digital tracking. This enhances the customer experience by providing them with more information about the product and a better overall experience with the product.
- Increases efficiency and reduces costs: Smart packaging allows manufacturers to track their products in real-time, from production to delivery, using sensors and other IoT (Internet of Things) devices. This enables them to monitor temperature, humidity, and location, ensuring product delivery in optimal conditions. This reduces the risk of spoilage or damage. This can lead to significant cost savings for manufacturers.
- Helps in counterfeit prevention: Smart packaging includes features such as barcodes, RFID tags, and holograms which provide unique identifiers that enable manufacturers to track products throughout their entire supply chain. Ultimately, this protects the reputation of the manufacturer by preventing counterfeit products from entering the market.
- Enables sustainability and eco-friendliness: Smart packaging solutions can help Indian manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint by using recycled materials in their packaging. This not only reduces waste but also boosts the company’s sustainability efforts.
By embracing smart packaging, Indian manufacturers can differentiate their products, improve their brand image, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
