QR codes for smart packaging have become increasingly popular choices for companies and brands. Smart packaging utilizes modern-day technologies like QR codes, RFID, and NFCs to increase the packaging's functionality and go beyond the typical contamination and storage functions.

Nowadays, it is not enough for product packaging to simply serve the purpose of contamination and protection of goods. Brands are looking for more innovative ways of adjusting their packaging to meet customer needs, improve experience, and offer a more competitive product. So, a product QR code provides increased protection of goods, sustainability, and customer engagement.

When scanned, the QR code on the packaging leads customers to different landing pages, such as instruction manuals, company websites, social media platforms, and various promotions.

Smart packaging utilizing QR codes has gained significant popularity in advertising luxury product packaging.

To ensure your product is memorable and stands out among your competitors, you need to provide customers with an unforgettable experience. This is where creative QR code packaging comes in. Many brands sometimes overlook product packaging despite its great opportunity to provide customers with an unforgettable experience, which will ensure future repurchasing and develop strong brand recognition. Besides offering an innovative and unique customer experience, smart packaging has several other advantages, including reducing product damage during shipping and improving shelf life.

Smart packaging is an umbrella term for different technologies that enhance the customer experience. We will mostly focus on connected packaging (which leverages QR codes and NFC technology). This blog will refer to connected packaging as smart packaging for ease of reference.

What is Smart Packaging?

Smart packaging transforms traditional product packaging into a more innovative and engaging consumer experience by incorporating advanced technology. A packaging QR code is changing the way we perceive product packaging. It offers more functions than traditional packaging, allowing both businesses and consumers to reap its benefits. More and more modern companies are willing to invest in smart packaging, which offers a more sustainable solution.

Types of Smart Packaging

The most common types of smart packaging are active, intelligent, and connected. Let’s review them one by one to better understand their key differences and which is the best solution for your business.

Active Packaging

As the name suggests, active packaging actively interacts with the product and its environment by absorbing oxygen, controlling moisture levels, regulating temperature, etc., to extend shelf life. It also maintains product quality and ensures safety.

Active packaging includes modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), controlled atmosphere packaging (CAP), and many others. This is most commonly used in the food and beverage industry. For example, fresh packaging for fruits and vegetables extends their shelf life. It slows down the growth of bacteria and the ripening process.

Intelligent Packaging

Intelligent packaging utilizes information and communication technologies (ICTs) and sensors to monitor and provide information about the product’s condition through data. For example, it may change color to display that the product is expired and unsafe for consumption. Intelligent packaging is also used to verify a product’s authenticity, track its location, and provide additional information to consumers.

Connected Packaging

The most common form of smart packaging is connected packaging, which businesses use to include QR codes, barcodes, NFC tags, RFID chips, and smart sensors.

Connected packaging is all about connecting users from the offline to the online dimension. This is the best type of packaging to incorporate as it is cost-effective and easy to implement.

QR codes for moving boxes and barcodes enable users to understand the contents of the packaging without opening it, and they also offer consumers a more interactive experience with the brand.

Barcodes are used mostly for inventory management and tracking as they help record product information and reduce errors. This is incredibly helpful for B2B operations, as retailers and manufacturers have an easy and convenient way to track items and facilitate stock management. Barcodes are also essential for point-of-sale (POS) systems, enabling easy product scanning and transactions.

A QR code for products, on the other hand, offers a wider range of possibilities and is far more adaptable, allowing companies to choose it as their preferred method.

NFC tags in product packaging usually provide authentication, additional product information, and promotional offers. NFC stands for near-field communication. In simple terms, it allows communication and short-range interactions between two devices (in this case, the NFC tag and an NFC-enabled device, like a smartphone). For example, Johnnie Walker—a brand of Scotch whiskey—integrated NFC chips into their Blue Label whiskey bottles. Upon scanning, customers could receive information about the open/closed status of the bottle, helping ensure the authenticity and integrity of the product. Customers can also access exclusive content like cocktail recipes, brand stories, and other personalized content.

RFID (radio-frequency identification) chips are used for identification and tracking purposes. These devices frequently wirelessly transfer data in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and healthcare industries.

RFID/NFC is used for inventory management, such as tracking and monitoring the product throughout the supply chain, authentication purposes, and enhanced consumer engagement, such as exclusive promotions, product information, and instruction manuals.

Smart sensors are mostly used to regulate the conditions in which goods (especially food) are kept to ensure their safety for consumption.

Which QR Code Types Can Be Used On Packaging

Below are some ideas for your product packaging and QR Code Creator solutions you can use to achieve the desired outcome.

Product information

A QR code labeling system provides consumers with more detailed information, such as nutritional facts, instructions, ingredients, etc. Companies like McDonald’s have utilized this technique to allow customers to learn more about the dietary facts of the food they consume, including the amount of sodium, fat, protein, and carbs in the product. A URL QR code or PDF QR code works perfectly to educate your audience about what they are eating.

Promotions and special offers

A QR code on product packaging that offers exclusive offers, discounts, and loyalty rewards is very popular among brands, which makes it a great opportunity to track customer engagement. For instance, coffee chain giant Starbucks frequently utilizes a QR code on food packaging to promote its seasonal drinks, rewards program, and other special events. Adding a URL QR code that redirects to your website and displays all the special offers you have currently running seems like a great way to get your clients more engaged.

Support

QR codes on products sometimes redirect customers to online platforms, facilitating easy product repurchasing and offering a support page where customers can seek help and ask questions about the product, brand, or order. This is widely common among electronic and technological companies like Microsoft and Sony, which add the QR code for packing boxes and redirect users to their official support pages, where users can find FAQs, additional instruction manuals, and contact information. Once again, a URL QR code solution is the most optimal choice if you want to provide further assistance to your clients; however, an Email QR code is also an appropriate choice, as clients can send an email in case they have any questions or concerns.

Sustainability

Some eco-friendly companies integrate a QR code for product information into their packaging to establish a transparent relationship with their customers by providing information about the product's environmental impact. Some even give recycling instructions and the product's carbon footprint—for example, Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company, incorporates QR codes on its products to share its garments' carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Customer feedback

Some companies add QR codes to their smart packaging to collect valuable customer opinions and help guide them in future decision-making processes. Once scanned, the product QR code leads to either an online survey or a feedback form. Corporations such as IKEA and Amazon place a QR code for packing boxes so users can easily provide their thoughts and opinions on their shopping experience and product satisfaction. You can use the Rating or Feedback QR codes to collect your clients' opinions. This also benefits you by allowing you to improve your product and increase customer satisfaction thanks to neutral and negative feedback.

Interactive experience

Some companies provide customers an engaging experience once they scan the QR code for products. Augmented reality offers a memorable immersive experience for consumers with the help of AR markers, helping brands gain a competitive edge. The redirection link unlocks augmented reality content and other immersive experiences. The content might include animation, videos, and additional information about the product. For example, LEGO utilizes QR codes on the products and instruction manuals to display 3D animation and enhance the LEGO-building process. If you want to give your clients an unforgettable experience, include a URL QR code with your website, and if you plan on sharing it on your smartphone application, you can use the App QR code solution.

Video tutorials

Online how-tos and video instructions are a great way to provide your customers with step-by-step directions on using your product, the assembly process, the best practices for getting the most out of it, and how to solve common problems. Companies like Dyson and GoPro attach QR codes for moving boxes of their products so customers can demonstrate how to set up and use the goods. Use the Video QR code to share the instructional material with your customers.

Authenticity

Adding a QR code to prove the product's authenticity is a great way to combat fraudulent brands trying to pass off as real ones. The knock-off brands provide lower quality than the original, tarnishing the latter’s reputation, so a QR code packaging will allow clients to understand whether the product they are purchasing is authentic, helping establish transparency and brand trust. This is commonly used by luxury brands, such as HUGO BOSS and Louis Vuitton, allowing customers to view details about the product’s materials and authenticity certificate. You can use the PDF QR code option to authenticate your products and ensure your clients have bought the real deal!

Social media

Brands that want to make their social media platforms more active can link customers to their handles with a QR code labeling system. This will encourage clients to interact and engage with the company. Increased engagement allows the brand to have another source of interaction with customers and promote upcoming events and releases. Footwear giants like Adidas and Nike incorporate QR codes into their shoeboxes so sneakerheads can access their social media profiles and stay updated on new releases, athlete collaborations, and other brand events. Keep your audience in the loop using the Social Media QR code solution.

Loyalty program/Bonus program

Let’s say a customer scans the QR code on the product packaging. They are then redirected to a landing page that claims they have gained special bonuses that can later be redeemed for special prizes, like coupon codes, discounts, and freebies. This incentivizes the client to engage with the brand more and become a frequent customer. The practice above is done by companies like Domino’s Pizza that add QR codes on food packaging and promote their Piece of the Pie Rewards program, where customers can earn points later redeemed for special prizes. If you want to follow Domino’s Pizza's steps, apply the Coupon QR code solution.

Why Switch To Smart Packaging?

Still not convinced about the benefits of smart packaging? Let’s have a look at the perks that smart packaging offers, then, shall we?

• Memorability: The biggest benefit smart packaging brings to brands is memorability. Customers are more likely to remember your product if it has an interactive product QR code that redirects to a memorable landing page.
• Tracking: A QR code for a shipping label allows any product to be traced through the supply chain, as it contains the product's serial and production batch number. QR code tracking helps businesses ensure their parcels arrive on time and in good condition.
• Authenticity: A QR code for packing boxes is a great way to combat counterfeit goods. By placing a unique QR code for product information, brands can demonstrate its authenticity to their customers. In the long run, this is also beneficial as it helps companies protect their reputation and avoid colossal revenue losses if a fake copy of their product enters the market. These products not only steal your customer base, posing to be your brand, but also do not provide the premium quality of your products, tarnishing your brand’s reputation.
• Product certification: To stay on the topic of product authenticity, if the product is a CPG (Consumer Packaged Good) and requires a certification (for example, whether the food product or cosmetic item meets industry standards), a QR code packaging is a great way of displaying this information to consumers.
• Brand loyalty: Increased transparency between customers and the company helps establish brand loyalty. Consumers are curious about how their favorite brands operate, and with the rise of conscious consumerism, customers are more likely to support environmentally friendly companies.
• Eco-friendly: QR codes allow brands to highlight their sustainability practices. To piggyback on the previous idea, companies can also target more mindful consumers by incorporating a smart QR code for packing boxes that shares what ingredients they use, how they source them, etc.
• Space optimization: QR codes for moving boxes permit making the most of minimal packaging space, especially if the product is small. They also help make the packaging more authentically pleasing and decluttered. This can be done by sharing the brand's social media pages, the production process, the instruction manual, and so on using QR codes. As you can see, the possibilities are endless.
• Limited offers: If you have a special deal for your clients, you can easily share it with the help of a packaging QR code. The Coupon QR code provides an amazing solution, allowing you.
• Customer care: Smart packaging includes specialized technology like QR, RFID, and NFC, which offers clients an opportunity to learn more about the product. For instance, if they scan the packaging QR code of a cosmetic item, they can learn about the ingredients used, detailed information on which skin issues the product helps resolve, and other helpful resources and guides.
• Quality control: Some smart packaging includes advanced sensors that help track the product's condition. This is especially useful for food and beverage packaging.
• Positive experience: If issues or questions arise during usage, redirect to customer support with the help of QR code packaging. Instructional manuals, tutorials, and such can be provided here.
• Mobile commerce: Share a QR code on the packaging that redirects customers to a landing page where they can shop for more items in the collection or add complementary items to their shopping cart.
• Sustainability: QR codes for moving boxes help companies easily track inventory, recall products in case of an incident or spoiled goods, and avoid ruining the entire supply chain.
• Community: Redirecting consumers to your social media pages allows them to learn more about the human side of your brand, which promotes engagement and brand recognition. You can use QR Code Creator's Social Media QR code on the packaging to connect with your clients.

QR Code for Smart Packaging Examples

Redken

Redken is a professional haircare and hair-styling brand with a QR code labeling system on its packaging. Consumers can easily scan the code and visit the official website to learn more about the brand and its products.

Puma

Footwear and athletic wear company Puma added a QR code on the product packaging, providing an augmented reality (AR) experience with the brand’s mascot. Shoppers could take selfies with the feline mascot and view other branded content.

Coca-Cola

In the UK, Coca-Cola launched a special campaign aimed at gamers. Users scanned a product QR code to get a chance to win a range of prizes, including an Xbox and HyperX gamer headphones. This helped the brand expand its audience and create a memorable customer experience.

Hungry Jack’s

Hungry Jack’s is the Australian equivalent of Burger King, and it launched a campaign in collaboration with the card game UNO. Users had to scan the QR code on the food packaging to win special prizes, including cash and food.

Nestle

Nestle products frequently feature a QR code on the product packaging and container, which consumers can scan to receive nutritional information about the product. Not only that, but customers can also review recipe ideas and how the product was produced.

Oreo

American pop superstar Lady Gaga had a special collaboration with Oreo, inspired by her then-newly released Chromatica album. The limited edition Oreo flavor packages featured a QR code packaging that fans could scan and be redirected to a special website where they could record and send a special “OREOgram” voice message to their loved ones for a chance to win a meet and greet with Lady Gaga!

Pepsi

Pepsi released limited-edition cans with a product QR code, which allows American football fans and soda enthusiasts to experience the behind-the-scenes footage of the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show and an augmented reality experience on Instagram. Customers also had the opportunity to review exclusive videos by the Weeknd.

eBay

In collaboration with Sneaker Con, eBay launched an Authenticity Guarantee program to prevent counterfeit sales of sneakers. How did they do this? With the help of NFCs, of course! Users had to look for a blue checkmark on the footwear’s listing page to benefit from this secure transaction; once ordered, the sneaker is sent to an authentication center, where Sneaker Con’s special team inspects it. Qualified products receive an eBay Authenticity Guarantee tag, and the shoes are sent to the customer.

How To Create a QR Code For Products

Okay, now that we’ve got the hang of what smart packaging is, its main benefits, and how modern companies utilize it, let’s learn how to create a QR code for products and some best practices for making the most of it.

1. Go to QR Code Creator and choose a solution that suits your needs. Several options are available for users to choose from, such as URL and Coupon Code. Select the one that best represents your business goals.
2. Enter the necessary information. Add relevant details, such as the URL link, text message, etc., depending on your selected solution.
3. Customize the QR code. QR Code Creator offers different ways for companies to personalize QR codes on products to better align with their branding and stand out from competitors.
4. Download the QR code. Save the QR code for packing boxes in the necessary format and integrate it into your smart packaging design.

Best Practices For QR Codes On Products

• Choose the right smart packaging. The best choice is QR codes for moving boxes, which are more cost-effective and easy to integrate. The QR codes or tags should be placed on a surface that will catch users' attention and ensure they interact with them.
• Ensure visual appeal. Incorporating a color scheme that matches your brand identity helps you stand out from competition, ensuring strong brand recognition. Some consumers base their opinion of a brand on the QR code on the product packaging, so just because you’re using smart packaging does not mean you need to make it dull and uninspiring.
• Collect customer information. Suppose they are already interacting with your QR codes. In that case, your packaging QR code might as well start collecting valuable information, like their feedback, which can later be utilized in future decision-making processes.
• Add a striking call-to-action (CTA). The best way to encourage your audience to interact with your codes is to add a powerful and eye-catching CTA. And remember, not all customers are as tech-savvy as you think, so it’s important to add instructions on how to scan the QR codes on products.
• Consider the placement. A product QR code placed in an unnoticeable or awkward position will result in fewer clients noticing it, so choose a suitable location for your smart packaging QR code.

Conclusion

Although smart packaging is still relatively new and in its early stages of development, the benefits for brands and corporations are clear. A packaging QR code is attracting investors, and more brands and businesses are interested in being among the pioneers and incorporating this practice into their inventory and product life cycle management.

So, to answer the question of “Why should I use a product QR code?” it’s very simple: you do not need any high-end technology and advanced knowledge to implement QR codes for your brand and products. A simple QR code generator like QR Code Creator will do! Select a QR solution that best suits your needs and start providing your dearest clients with an elevated customer experience.