SMART PACKAGING
Carla Colwell of Jacob White Packaging, offers some insight into the different types of smart packaging.
BREAKING DOWN SMART PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY
S
mart packaging is changing how products are packed, tracked and used. It goes beyond traditional packaging by
In the food and confectionery sectors, smart integrating
technology that improves efficiency, product security and customer engagement and can help reduce waste, increase transparency and improve the customer experience. Smart packaging is a broad term that
covers different types of packaging solutions that go beyond just holding and protecting a product. It can actively improve product safety, extend shelf life and provide real-time data on supply chain movement. There are two main types
of smart packaging – active packaging and intelligent packaging. Active packaging plays a
direct role in preserving product quality. It interacts with the product or its environment to maintain freshness, protect against contamination or extend usability. This includes, for example, moisture absorbers, oxygen scavengers and antimicrobial coatings to prevent spoilage. Intelligent packaging can provide real-time
monitoring, authentication and interaction using tools such as RFID tags, QR codes and IoT sensors. These solutions help track shipments, prevent counterfeiting, and allow consumers to scan packaging for additional product details, promotions or user instructions.
packaging technologies can help reduce waste and improve safety by using sensors that track temperature exposure and freshness indicators that show if a product is still safe to consume. Smart labels can also provide expiry dates and storage details, ensuring consumers have accurate product information. Some brands are also using QR codes and near-field communication (NFC) tags to enhance consumer engagement,
consumers properly dispose of packaging materials, making recycling more efficient and reducing waste.
Implementation challenges While smart packaging provides many benefits, it can pose some adoption challenges. Higher production costs, for example can be a barrier, as integrating smart labels, sensors and tracking technology increases expenses, making it harder for small and mid-sized businesses to implement. Data security is another
concern, with connected packaging requiring strict privacy safeguards to protect consumer data and comply with regulations. Recycling can also be challenging, as some smart packaging materials include embedded electronics that are difficult to process through conventional
allowing customers to scan packaging for product verification, usage instructions and promotional content. Supply chain operations benefit from IoT-connected sensors that track products from manufacturing to delivery, improving efficiency, preventing losses and streamlining logistics. With the push for eco- friendly solutions, smart packaging can also contribute to sustainability efforts. Digital watermarks and smart recycling labels help
recycling systems. The lack of universal standards further
complicates adoption, as different industries and supply chains use varied smart packaging technologies that may not be compatible with one another. Overcoming these challenges requires industry-wide collaboration, technological advancements and improved cost-efficiency in smart packaging production.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 53
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