Connected Packaging survey 2026 announced as updated edition of book ‘Connected Packaging: The Game-Changing Marketing Tool’ launched | 25-11-2025 |
The 2026 Connected Packaging Survey, a comprehensive industry benchmarks of the sector, is again being organised and managed by AIPIA member Appetite Creative. Last year, 700 leaders across FMCG, retail, and marketing shared their insights, according to its managing director Jenny Stanley. “This year, we're capturing where the industry is truly heading, and your perspective matters,” she says. The survey takes just 2–3 minutes to complete, and all responses are completely anonymous.
At the same time Appetite Creative also announced the release of the updated edition of ‘Connected Packaging: The Game-Changing Marketing Tool’, which addresses the regulatory shifts transforming the USA market, as well as the AI and gaming technologies redefining consumer engagement.
The updated edition features three entirely new chapters addressing the most significant developments since the book's original September 2024 publication, plus comprehensive updates to all survey data and industry statistics reflecting 2025 findings.
“When this book was first published, connected packaging was emerging as a powerful media channel for brands,” said author Jenny Stanley. “Then in April 2025, major UK supermarket chain Tesco launched the first large-scale retail QR code trial, proving the digital transition is well underway. This further fuelled by US regulatory changes and GS1's 2027 deadline approaching to replace barcodes with QR codes, with 48 countries globally actively piloting this transition. Brands face an urgent imperative: adapt now or risk obsolescence.”
Key additions to the 2025 edition include:
Chapter 2: The Barcode Revolution - GS1 and The Retail Transformation - Documents Tesco's groundbreaking April 2025 pilot replacing traditional barcodes with GS1-powered QR codes, signalling that the retail transition is no longer if but when.
Chapter 10: The Next Generation - AI, Gaming and the Future of Connected Packaging - Showcases breakthrough campaigns including Sunny Oil's AI-powered recipe recommendations and Danone Alpro's gaming experience achieving 14% scan rates, proving that sophisticated technology delivers measurable business results.
Chapter 11: America's Connected Packaging Transformation - Provides comprehensive analysis of US regulatory changes (DSCSA, EPR programs, FSMA requirements).
Expanded Data Privacy Coverage - Guidance on the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) alongside GDPR requirements, addressing the complex multi-jurisdictional reality facing global brands.
Updated Industry Data - All statistics, survey data and market insights updated to reflect 2025 Global Connected Packaging Survey findings.
The book also outlines proven implementation frameworks based on real campaigns, comprehensive regulatory navigation covering US and European requirements and technology selection guidance with assessments of QR codes, NFC, RFID, AR, AI and blockchain applications.
