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Few Brand Manufacturers Employ Smart Technology in Their Packaging—Pharma Clearly Leads the Way

Covert or Smart technology, not always acknowledged by brand managers, often involves a layered methodology, according to a recent survey from PMMI Business Intelligence.

Brand Managers Using Covert or Smart Technology
Brand Managers Using Covert or Smart Technology

Inks play a major role, with hidden ink crystals embedded in a varnish layer that can be detected with a smartphone. Intelligent inks provide real-time stocking data for interactive shelves. Allows remote price changes!

Data strings are an extra layer to authenticate brands such as hiding a unique serialized code that has to read with an optical decoder lens, smartphone app or scanner. These embedded strings of data can also hide inside a picture.

Holograms, 2D barcodes and hidden taggants can be added to inks, varnishes and other materials as well. All serve to add another layer of high level security.

A packaging engineer for confections and snacks said, “We are considering color-changing inks to indicate temperature or date has exceeded requirements or date of products, but the technology isn’t there yet, and it’s too pricey.”

“Using holograms and color changing inks,” said one senior packaging design engineer for a craft brewery. “Always look at new technologies to engage the consumer.”

A senior principle packaging engineer for Rx drugs said, “Using proprietary, overt printing technologies for security.”

Medical Device Innovations Report
Cutting-edge packaging technologies are transforming the medical device sector in PMMI’s “Innovation in Medical Device” report, featuring advanced materials, smart solutions, and evolving regulations. Editors share insights from nearly 300 PACK EXPO booth visits—each product deemed new and truly innovative—alongside video demonstrations of the equipment and materials on display.
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Medical Device Innovations Report
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Break out of the ordinary: see what’s new in life sciences packaging