FOOD , DRINK , AND THE INTERNET OF THINGS
Rethinking Packaging Consumers want to know more about their food , but there is only so much room on a label — but the Internet of Things can expand product labels far beyond the physical boundaries of cardboard and plastic and bring packaging into the digital age .
Interactive packaging can utilize RFID technology and QR codes to communicate directly with consumers . A quick smartphone scan could easily reveal extended nutrition and allergy information , or extra benefits like recipes , coupons , or reward points . This more comprehensive form of engagement can go a long way toward building a more loyal repeat consumer base .
Meanwhile this packaging also relates back to the issue of traceability — manufacturers and third party logistics companies can use the same RFID chip and bar code technology to track packages as they are distributed across the country or even around the world . This can serve a variety of functions , from compiling location-based sales data in real time to making targeted product recalls easier by knowing exactly where batches were delivered .
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