As society grows accustomed to scanning QR codes for track and trace systems in the western world and on consumer products or WeChat in Asia, connected packaging could be the next big thing.
Invented in the early 90s for manufacturing purposes, QR codes became more accessible thanks to iOS 11 scanner camera integration. Today, you can spot them on out-of-home adverts, e-payment options, museums, and galleries.
With most consumers being fully on board with QR codes, there is a golden opportunity for brands to embrace and integrate this technology into their packaging designs. Could this be the end of a never-ending list of ingredients on the back of the pack? Or a way to engage consumers with your latest campaign? Is this the future of DTC packaging that reduces printing costs? While there are potentially many benefits to QR codes, brands first need to decide the purpose of having them and whether they will appeal to the target audience.
