These smart packaging innovations range from scannable record sleeves to app-connected pill bottles that monitor one's medicine intake. Modern technology has made retailers grow more conscious of the millennial market and has encouraged many to step outside of the traditional marketing box.
In addition to efforts by chocolate and beer companies, unexpected brands like paper towel manufacturers are also joining the smart packaging movement and are leaving a lasting impression on their consumer.
Standouts from this list include augmented reality packaging concepts by candy and chocolate brands along with app-connected bottles offered by recognized Whisky manufacturers. While the first examples give consumers access to a fun mobile game through an easy-to-scan code, the latter informs them of contests, promotions and money-saving giveaways.
18 Smart Packaging Innovations
18
Cloud-Connected Liquor Bottles
Johnnie Walker Whisky Tech-Savvily Confirms Age Authenticity
17
App-Connected Veggie Packaging
This City Farm Shop Concept Features Only Hyper-Local Produce
16
World Cup Fry Packaging
McDonald's World Cup App Turns the Iconic Fry Packaging into a Soccer Game
15
Holographic Beer Boxes
The Branding for Hoptical Illusion Uses 3D Holographic Film
14
Glowing Liqour Bottles
The Limited Edition Skyy Vodka Electrifyy Bottle Glows to the Beat of Music
13
Visual Vodka-Recognition Apps
Select Absolut Vodka Bottles Feature Shazam to Unlock New Content
12
Streamlined Headphone Packaging
The Sol Republic Relays Has an Unexpectedly Elegant Design
11
Scannable Beer Labels
Digital IPA Offers a QR Code That Takes Drinkers to Brewing Instructions
10
Augmented Sausage Packaging
Bemis' Transforms Branding with Interactive Package Systems
9
Tech-Configuring Packaging
Apple Boxes Will Soon Be Able to Set Up Devices In-Store
8
Interactive Record Covers
DJ QBert's Record Cover Plays Songs When Prompted by Touch
7
Candy Packaging Games
Cadbury 'Quaksmack' is a Deliciously Fun Augmented Reality Game
6
Expiry-Detecting Food Caps
UC Berkeley Has Engineered a Sealable Cap That Tells When Milk Goes Bad
5
Augmented Christmas Countdowns
Milka's Christmas Calendar is Interactive
4
Augmented Reality Packaging
A Limited Edition Appletiser Boasts an Augmented Reality Bottle
3
Interactive Beer Campaigns
The Message in a Bottle Campaign Allows You to Attach Videos to Bottles
2
Augmented Chocolate Wrappers
Lacta's Chocolate Packaging Wrapper Hides Secret Messages with AR
1
Innovative Anti-Biofilm Packaging
TZD Sheath Can Protect Fresh Produce from Bacteria Contamination
Related Ideas
Conversational Product Packaging
Digital Link's Cleo Assistant Lets Consumers Speak to Products
Paper-Made Lollipop Packaging
Chupa Chups Lollipops Have Received a Packaging Overhaul
3D-Printed Packaging Molds
Unilever Partnered with Serioplast on 3D-Printed Packaging Solutions
AR-Powered Vending Machines
Snapchat and L’Oréal Made a Gamified Lens to Share Refillable Haircare
Recycled Plastic Candy Packaging
Berry Global Group and Mars Launched 100% Recycled Plastic Jars
Shoppable TV Ads
Samsung and Amazon Enable Remote-Based Shopping Directly on TV
Thoughtful Packaging Redesigns
Lidl's Private-Label Focuses on Nutritious Value and Children
Assistive Alcohol Packaging
Strongbow Integrates Assistive Technology Directly onto Its Packaging
Apparel-Branded Smart Eyewear
Innovative Eyewear Partnered with Reebok on Pair of Smart Glasses
Fashion-Inspired Food Marketing
Magnum Blends Beauty, Music and Luxury Culture into Its Brand
Sustainable Collectible Packaging
TOPPAN Replaces Plastic Packs with Paper-Based Alternatives
Luxury Paper Packaging Launches
Mondi Debuts Three Sustainable Packaging Products at a China Event
NFC-Powered Gift Tags
Bardstown Bourbon Company Enhances Presents with Premium NFC Stickers
Signal-Blocking Wrapper Campaigns
KitKat Break Mode Blocks Smartphone Signals Using Cage Tech
Sustainable 3D-Printed Packaging Lines
APC Packaging's Adapte Collection is Innovative
Festive Snack Packaging Designs
Kellanova Debuts Its Seasonal Assortment of Snacks
Design-Led Pill Organizers
Lucia Gray's The Stylish Pill Box Holds an Apple AirTag or MiLi LiTag
Takeout-Style Serum Sets
Glow Hub’s Skin Sips to Go are Packaged Like Cups in a Carrier
Sustainable Paper Cosmetic Packaging
The Arcade Beauty Paper Packette is Made with 80% Paper
Consumer-Focused Packaging Strategies
Hershey's Unveils Elevated Packaging at Sweets & Snacks Expo
Paper-Packaged Private Label Wines
The Collective Good Wine Range is Available Now at Target
Fully Recyclable Paper Wrappers
KIND Snacks Launched Curbside Recyclable Snack Bar Packaging
Card-Labeled Coffee Bags
Blueprint Coffee's New Bag Design Has Pockets with Informational Cards
Dual-Chamber Beauty Packaging
Clarins Uses Dual-Chamber Packaging to Merge Formulas at Application
Sustainable Packaging Options
Vetroplas Partners Highlight Refillable, Recycled And Airless Soluti
High-Barrier Recyclable Paper Packs
Prymat Has Adopted Mondi’s BarrierPaper Solution
Decluttered Ad Campaigns
IKEA Unpackaged Goods Organizes Branded Products into Storage Containers
Next-Gen Pill Cases
The Daily 365 Weekly Pill Organizer Makes a Lifestyle Statement
Shelf-Stable Packaging Solutions
Amcor’s Retort Bottle Innovation is Good for Nutritional Shots
Hidden-Message Champagne Labels
Dom Pérignon Introduced Knockout’s Concealed Shield Feature
Minimal Snack Packaging
The Calbee Packaging Redesign Replaces Bright Colors with Monochrome
Paper-Based Barrier Drink Packaging
Tetra Pak and Sterilgarda Alimenti Partnered on New Packaging
Lightweight Cosmetic Roll-ons
Amcor Launches Its Shadow Roll-on Bottle
One-Handed Paper Cartons
The One-Hand Pump Paper Pack is Made from 100% Recyclable Materials
Adhesive-Held Water Multi-Packs
Vilsa Launches the First Sustainable Six-Pack Water Case
Lightweight PET Bottle Designs
TricorBraun Introduces Lightweight PET Bottle Solutions
Sustainable Retailer Packaging Updates
This Co-op Sustainable Packaging Initiative is Expansive
Collectible Fandom Packaging
Spider-Man-Themed Takis Bags Turn Snacks into Fan Collectibles
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Reusable Food Packaging Systems
Compass Group Expands Its Cauli Smart Reusable System
Functional Health-Focused Packaging Aesthetics
Cleveland Kitchen Upgrades Its Packaging & Identity
Heritage Grocery Packaging
Bob’s Red Mill Redesigned Its Packaging for Easier Shelf Navigation
Gamified Snack Packaging
Hershey’s Released Pokémon Chocolates with 151 Collectible Foil Designs
Paper-Made Juice Packaging
The Tetra Park Tetra Brik Aseptic is Made with Up to 80% Paper
Reduced Plastic Drink Packaging
This Lucozade Packaging Update Cuts Plastic Use
Child-Resistant Beauty Droppers
Virospack Created the Beauty Industry's First Childproof Dropper
Portable Premium Snacking
Pringles Shrinks Its Iconic Crisps into Portable Lunchbox Snack Packs
Medicine Packaging Recycling Programs
Boots Blister Pack Recycling is Headed to Over 800 Stores
Accessible Juice Drink Packaging
Robinsons Fruit Shoot is Rolling Out NaviLens Technology Support
Chemically Recycled Wrappers
Mondelēz Introduced Its 75% Chemically Recycled Content Packaging
Accessible Private Label Branding
Co-op Products are Introducing NaviLens Technology
Branded Packaging Solutions
Custom Packaging Enhances Product Presentation And Brand Identity
Smart Retail Technology Expansions
A2Z Cust2Mate Secures Advertising Agreements with Major Brands
Paper-Based Tomato Packaging
Flavourfresh and Paranova Partnered for a Packaging Opportunity
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Recycable Sleeve Labels
Phenix Label Introduced Recyclable Shrink Sleeve Options
Reusable Packaging Supermarket Trials
Amcor and Ocado are Working Together for a Packaging Project
Limited Edition Peelable Bottles
S.Pellegrino Redesigns its Bottles to Spark Social Interaction
Food-Safe Recycled Packaging
Scanfill Launches Food-Grade rPP Foil with Prevented Ocean Plastic™
Multipurpose Partitioned Packaging Designs
Inline Plastics Essentials Platter Design is Versatile
Reduced Plastic Sandwich Packaging
The Seal N’ Flip Packaging from the Lacerta Group Reduces Costs
Portable Hygiene Packs
Kleenex Introduces Durable Tissue Packs with Secure Snap-Shut Lids
Leak-Free Pouch Packaging Partnerships
Aptar Closures and Cheer Pack Announced a New Partnership
Advanced Grocer Shelf Labels
Co-op and VusionGroup Partnered for Smart Shelf Labels
High-Barrier Paper Packaging Platform
ProAmpac Launches a High-Barrier Paper Platform
Refillable Skincare Lineups
Fig.1 Beauty Emphasizes Sustainability in Its Packaging
Circular Beauty Packaging
SGD Pharma Expands Refillable and Recycled Glass Solutions
Recyclable Produce Packaging
Kp Expands Infinity with Recyclable Fruit Trays for Fresh Produce
Experience-Enhancing POS Retail Apps
MomentScience Reveals MomentApps
Collaborative Fiber-Based Food Trays
This Fiber-Based Packaging is Lightweight Yet Functional
Snack Packet Recycling
HolyGrail 2030 Has Introduced Its Polypropylene Snack Packet Pilot
Aluminum Drugstore Product Packaging
This CVS Pharmacy Packaging is a First-of-its-Kind
Recyclable Scent Label Formats
Sampling Innovations Europe Introduced Scent Green® Label
Accessible Tea Product Packaging
Twinings Tea Packaging is Rolling Out QR Codes for Information
Fresh Produce Packaging Solutions
American Packaging Corporation Highlights Flexibility
In-Store DIY Packaging Stations
Taco Bell UK is Uniquely Supporting Circular Fashion Sellers
Tubular Paper-Made Snack Packaging
The Sonoco Paper Can is Made with 100% Recycled Fiber
Eco-Friendly Shipping Materials
The Kite Packaging Smart Fill Range is Eco-Minded
Refillable Airless Glass Packaging
Mktg Combines Glass Packaging with Refillable Airless System
End-to-End Flexible Packaging
Melodea Launches Its MeloPack Solution
Collaborative Packaging Development
UNITED CAPS Launches Live Packaging Co-Creation Sessions
Audio Experience-Integrated Beverage Packaging
TapTunes, Inc. Has Introduced Virtual Wax
Compact Paper Cushioning Systems
Sealed Air Introduced a Space-Saving Recyclable Packaging Tool
Vibrant Organic Product Branding
Fruit Bliss Introduces Its First Packaging Redesign in Ten Years
AI-Powered AR Eyewear
Snap and Qualcomm Develop Intelligent Glasses with On-Device AI
Accessible Skincare Gadgets
InventHelp Showcases a Hands-Free Lotion Applicator
Paper Food Packaging Campaigns
This Koehler Paper Campaign Showcases the Market Shift
Recyclable Produce Packaging Partnerships
Reflex Group and Marks & Spencer Partnered on Packaging
Premium Wellness Packaging Systems
Abox Agency Designs a Premium Naturare Brand Identity
Scannable Hot Sauce Bottles
Buldak's New Hot Sauce Packaging Integrates a Convenient QR Code
Smart Pill Organizers
Centor Has Introduced a Technologically Advanced Pill Organizer
Streamlined Packaging Updates
Blanco's New Packaging Design is Holistic in Nature
Modern Premium Pet Packaging
Pet 'n Shape Boasts New Packaging for Its Premium Dog Treats & Chews
Fresh Produce Containerboards
Mondi Launches the ProVantage SmartKraft Brown for Pacapim
Shelf-Less Retail Stores
Goody Goody Liquor Uses Robots and QR Codes to Replace Shelving
Linerless Produce Packaging
Ravenwood and Troya introduce linerless labelled fruit packs
Automated Packaging Design Platforms
Inkbit's Pack Studio Streamlines the Packaging Design Process
RFID-Embedded Sleeve Labels
Sleever and Avery Dennison Introduced Inventra at Paris Packaging Week
Fully Recyclable Drink Caps
The Amcor Secure Flip Sports Cap is Now on Rauch Yippy Bottles
Greek-Inspired Bakery Packagings
The Daily Greek Packaging Rebranded by A.S. Strategy
Sustainable Luxury Packaging
Silverhand Estate Pairs Premium Wine with Reusable Packaging
Interchangeable Component Cosmetic Packaging
The APC Packaging Adapté Collection is Adaptable
Premium Dispensing Solutions
Aptar Beauty Unveiled New On-Shelf Dispensing Systems
Aluminum Sparkling Wine Bottles
CECI 1938's First-of-Its-Kind Design Fits a Cork, Cage & Seal
Beverage Industry-Focused Packaging Equipments
Promarksvac Debuts New Vacuum Packaging Equipment
Portable Tea Packaging
HTeaO Introduces Portable Mini Sippers for Tea on the Go
Functional Security Labels
Securikett uses advanced coatings to prevent label replication
Efficient Healthcare Packaging Add-Ons
Swisslog Boosts Its AutoPack Automated Oral Solid Packager
Recyclable Paper-Made Tray Packaging
The PaperSeal Pressed Packaging is Cost-Efficient
Medication-Friendly Smart Lunch Boxes
The ZKSCool Lunch Box Keeps Food and Medicine Fresh
Skincare Delivery Shifts
Nuon Medical Reframes Skincare with Tech-Integrated Applicators
AR-Enabled Oat Drink Packaging
Alpro and Appetite Creative Partnered for Interactive Packaging
Customizable Packaging Solutions
Wax Paper Global Has Introduced an Innovative Packaging Solution
Modular Wellness Packaging System
Presentable Introduced vial Multivitamin Identity
Sensorial Fragrance Samples
Arcade Beauty's ScentSeal Features a Gel Formula That Applies to Skin
UV-Tagged Recycling Labels
Polytag and Saica Flex Introduced UV Label Tracking
Reduced-Plastic Packaging Moves
Squire Shifts to Box and Card Packaging
Respiration Control Packaging Films
This Recyclable Film Packaging from Innovia Films is Effective
Accessible Meat Packaging Designs
MeatCrafters Unveils New Sliced Charcuterie and Salami Packaging
Interactive Packaging Content
SmartLinks Debuts a Self-Serve Platform for Product Packaging
Reusable Packaging Systems
Jokey and Circolution Launch a Reusable Packaging System
Plastic-Reduced Food Packaging
SPAR Austria Trials Meat Packaging That Uses 70% Less Plastic
Retail Beverage Experiences
The Paper Store Uses Custom Drink Stations to Boost Engagement
Inkless QR Marking Solutions
Polytag and Datalase Introduced GS1-Compliant QR Codes
Rigids Packaging Challenges
Amcor Launches Its Amcor Lift-Off — Rigids Challenge
State-Of-The-Art Product Development Labs
Brentwood is Upscaling Its Medical Packaging Process
Revamped Packaging Brand Websites
Macpac's New Website Highlights its Sustainability Efforts
Eco-Minded Wine Packaging
Taylor’s Port Introduced a New Bottle Format
Traceable Packaging Labels
Polytag and MCC Embed UV Tags into In-Mold Packaging Labels
Integrated Food Processing Systems
Bandall SmartBand Handles Data Processing and Labeling in One
NFC-Enabled Whiskey Bottles
One Cask at a Time Launched Six Single-Cask Whiskies
Eco-Designed Sampling Formats
Sampling Innovations Europe Unveiled Easy Dose
Sustainable Aerosol Packaging
Aptar Beauty Adds Twist-to-Lock Mechanisms for Leak-Resistant Sprays
Glow-in-the-Dark Prescription Bottles
Glowing Relief Packaging Features Photoluminescent Ink
Patented Coffret Opening Systems
The Coupe-fil Coffret Was Introduced by Verpack
Connected Traceability Solutions
Sansara Has Aquaried Advanced Track & Trace ATT
Design-Led Beverage Packaging
CREALIS Develops Integrated Packaging Solutions for Alcohol Brands
Smart Labeling Systems
Videojet Introduces Digitally Controlled Label Automation
Refined Bourbon Bottle Designs
Bardstown Bourbon Co. Unveiled its New Core Packaging
Minimal Toilet Sprays
Capsule Repackaged Bathroom Etiquette as a Design Object