HOW IS AR TECHNOLOGY HELPFUL IN PACKAGING INDUSTRY?

Over the years, the packaging industry has gone over tons of transformation shaping to the latest innovations. As humans evolved and progressed, so did the packaging industries. From clay, to wooden containers, to plastics and many more sources of packing, the industry has grown over time. Augmented Reality is the most innovative source used in the packaging industry at the moment.

Augmented reality (AR) uses digital information to enhance the real world. It uses soft-wares, hard-wares and apps to overlay digital information onto the real world. This in turn helps the users to connect with the physical and digital aspects of the world. In the packaging industry AR can be the most efficient way of introducing digital aspects to it so as to make it more creative and innovative. This blog covers the use of AR technology in packaging and user engagement and operational efficiency of it.

WHAT IS AR TECHNOLOGY IN PACKAGING?

AR technology can use digital content on product packaging with the help of softwares and apps to enhance the productivity and design of a product. It can be used to gain customer relationship and a brand name in the competitive market.

These are some of the ways AR can be used in packaging-: 

• Interactive experiences : AR could engage customers in activities through 3D printing or animation, games and product descriptions or data. This in turn provides the consumers with valuable information and makes their experience much more entertaining.
• Content updates : AR could be used as a source to update the customers about any branding or promotions without having to redesign the packing.
• Brand storytelling : Through AR, the brand can use technology to communicate with customers and enable them to interact more effectively with the product and the brand
  
  

OPERATIONAL AND MARKETING BENEFITS

AR can be used to interact with the customers and form a relationship with them. We’ve seen the benefits of AR in user engagement and product promotion. AR can be a huge benefit in the operational and marketing aspect.

More purchase and less returns

Customers can purchase products from their homes after trying them out with the help of AR. This helps them in understanding and selecting a product beforehand which helps in purchasing and ensure that the products returned are less as there would be fewer wrong purchases

In shop experiences

Users tend to love in shop purchasing as it helps them to view the products and try them out beforehand. Although AR can’t be as effective as in shop purchases, it can engage with the customers to an extent and help them gain the experience of purchasing from a shop while staying at their homes.

Data collection and analytics

AR can help the customers interact more with the brand and products, which helps the brand in collecting user data from all over the world and use it to improve the products further and enhance user experience.

Personalized experiences

AR can use the consumer’s name and place or age on the packaging so it feels personal and build a connection between the brand and the user.

AR FOR SUSTAINIBILITY

The packaging through AR can use sustainable techniques like recyclable packaging, minimal use of extra labelling or instruction manuals as it can be replaced by digital interfaces. There can be many ways of promoting sustainability through AR: –

• Using cardboard, paper and recyclable plastics.
• Use of compostable materials like cellulose.
• Offer a return benefit for empty containers.
• Smart packaging to reduce waste.

Some of the brands that use AR technology are: – Amazon, Coco-cola, Cadbury etc.

CONCLUSION

AR technology has redefined the packaging industry enhancing customer engagement, marketing, promoting sustainability and operational transparency. It helps customers interact with the products and brand much better and it sets the stage for a better and smarter future. It has helped build an innovative source of marketing, enhancing production and packaging, in-turn increasing sales.