At Labelexpo 2025, Digital Link unveiled the Cleo assistant, an AI-powered product assistant that enables consumers to interact directly with products by scanning a QR code. Thanks to this next-generation conversational packaging, consumers don't need to consult an app or manual, and packaging is no longer just a one-way messenger but a provider of a two-way interactive experience. Paula Rivero, Digital Link Co-founder and CEO Paula Rivero, explains, “This is the barcode’s successor. From now on, products don’t just sit on shelves. They live, they listen, they respond.”
By scanning an on-pack code, consumers can ask about everything from ingredient sourcing to insights about a product's nutritional label. In one Labelexpo 2025 demo, Paula Rivero scanned a package of face cream and asked Cleo if it was safe for a pregnant woman.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- AI-powered Conversational Packaging
- The implementation of AI-driven assistants in product packaging transforms static labels into interactive conversational interfaces.
- QR Code Engagement Interfaces
- Products equipped with QR code scanning enable consumers to engage in dynamic dialogue, enhancing the interactive experience beyond traditional packaging.
- Next-generation Customer Interaction
- Packaging that provides two-way communication redefines customer engagement by offering instant access to personalized product information.
Where This Applies
- Consumer Packaged Goods
- The integration of conversational AI in product packaging revolutionizes the way consumers interact with and gather information about consumer goods.
- Augmented Reality Solutions
- The evolution of QR code technology combined with AI-powered assistance paves the way for innovative augmented reality experiences in packaging.
- Smart Packaging Solutions
- AI-enabled packaging represents a shift towards smarter, more responsive packaging solutions across various industries, offering enhanced consumer interaction.
