Twinings tea packaging is receiving an accessibility update to support blind and partially sights shoppers by offering them an intuitive way to quickly access product information.
The update will include a QR code debuting on the brand's Black Tea range to start in July that will offer access to on-pack information by reading it aloud. The brand's Green Teas and Infusions lines will receive the branding update as well with all seven product pack formats covered including 40, 40, 80, 120 and 300 tea bag packs. The updated packaging will work with accessibility apps like Seeing artificial intelligence (AI) and Be My Eyes that are rated to scan codes with a smartphone for over a meter away.
Twinings UK and Ireland Marketing Director Gill Close commented on the packaging update saying, "Inclusivity is a core value for us at Twinings. By introducing accessible QR codes, we’re taking an important step towards making our products easier to navigate for blind and partially sighted consumers. This is part of an ongoing journey, we know there is more to do, but we’re proud to be taking meaningful action to improve accessibility and help drive progress across the industry.”
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Accessible Smart Packaging
- QR-enabled labels are turning everyday product packaging into adaptive information channels that expand usability for blind and partially sighted shoppers.
- Audio-first Product Information
- Spoken product details create a more equitable shopping experience while opening space for richer sensory, dietary, and preparation guidance beyond printed labels.
- Inclusive Shelf Navigation
- Retail shelves gain new value when packaging connects with accessibility apps, making independent product discovery more practical across crowded store environments.
Sectors Adopting This
- Consumer Packaged Goods
- Mass-market food and beverage brands have an opportunity to differentiate through packaging that embeds accessibility into core product design rather than limited compliance features.
- Assistive Technology
- AI-powered vision and reading platforms become more commercially relevant as standardized package codes increase the number of recognizable items in daily life.
- Grocery Retail
- Supermarkets benefit from accessible product systems that support independent shopping journeys and improve in-store inclusion without major physical infrastructure changes.
