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A clever technology, enabling shoppers to read wine labels written in any language will soon become the standard among savvy shoppers, according to digital marketing specialist Dave Chaffey. His company, Third Aurora, an Australian-based tech startup, recently announced that the technology would be rolled out to its Winerytale platform in 2020...

Blockchain RoundUp

There is a lot of new Blockchain applications across Supply Chain and Retail. Here are some recent examples: Walmart China’s new Blockchain platform is aimed at the traceability of packaged fresh foods, in particular its own brand Marketside range. Initially i twill be used to track 23 product lines, but this should expand to over 100 by the end of 2019...

New RFID sensor integrates Track & Trace into automated machines

It is not often we report on an actual piece of ‘kit’ which takes active & intelligent packaging further, but this new development from SICK is intended to integrate RFID track and trace capability in automated machines and mobile vehicles for product handling and logistics in packaging operations...

DNA anti-counterfeit feature has legal status

A new forensic authentication feature for pharmaceutical labels is now offered by Schreiner MediPharm in cooperation with Applied DNA Sciences. SigNature® DNA is a high-security feature based on DNA markers with which pharmaceutical manufacturers can protect their products against counterfeiting and patients against potential health risks, say the companies. DNA markers are considered to be impossible to counterfeit and are recognized as forensic authentication evidence in courts of law...

Authentication of medicines with barcodes in pill coatings

Colorcon and AIPIA member TruTag Technologies have announced a development agreement to enable on-dose verification technology for tablets by combining TruTag’s silica-based microtag authentication technology with Colorcon’s expertise in film coating systems, modified release technologies and specialty excipients...

AIPIA WORLD CONGRESS 2019: The ONLY place to get the complete picture

14-08-2019

The whole world of Active & Intelligent Packaging meets together in only one place: Amsterdam. Now in its 8th edition, the AIPIA World Congress in Amsterdam (18/19 November) has developed into the most comprehensive and authoritative event for the Active & Intelligent Packaging sector. The 2019 event is already attracting more companies wishing to exhibit their innovations and ideas than ever before. The Seeing is Believing demonstration area is already expanding into a new part of the iconic Beurs van Berlage venue in central Amsterdam to accommodate the demand...

Unilever shows strong commitment to on-pack Augmented Reality

Packaging Europe recently spoke with James Adkin, senior global brand manager, Unilever, to discover the stance of this ‘leading transnational consumer goods company’ on augmented reality, AR. During the exclusive interview he revealed an exciting product launch which will utilise AR on pack...

Guala and SharpEnd team up for first roll-out of connected wines in USA

Californian wine brand Böen, claims to be the first United States wine brand to deploy Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to date. NFC connected bottles will be released across the country, offering consumers the ability to be taken to the home of the Böen range 0f wines with a tap on the cap...

More Australian wine & spirits Brands use A&IP

The Old Kempton Distillery (OKD), located in Kempton, Tasmania, is utilizing NFC technology to combat counterfeits, as well as to improve the branding of its high-value whiskey, gin and other liquor products as the company expands its market share across Australia and around the world...

Top banana growers to adopt ethylene scavenging technology

Ecuador’s Association of Marketing & Exportation of Bananas, ACORBANEC has agreed to help increase the use of It’s Fresh! technology in the country’s huge banana growing community. The It’s Fresh! filters absorb ethylene – the ripening hormone – from fresh fruit and vegetables proven to prolong the green life of bananas throughout the supply chain...

Food sensors are 3D printable onto flexible packaging

University of Sydney research fellow Dr Sina Naficy has been named on Australia's Most Innovative Engineers 2019 list, for his 3D-printed flexible food sensors. The new technology can detect gases generated by bacteria in packaged food and aims to reduce food waste, according to an article in Australian magazine PKN, Packaging News...

Drupa 2020: AIPIA Member opportunities at the world’s biggest printing technology fair

07-08-2019

AIPIA has been asked to participate in the touchpoint packaging initiative at this hugely important fair. The organisers Messe Dusseldorf are extremely keen to represent Active & Intelligent Packaging printed solutions to the attendees which will number several hundred thousand over the 10 days. This is a MAJOR opportunity for AIPIA members to present relevant technologies (eg Printed Electronics, QR Code advances, Security, Smart Printing, Inks and Hologrphics, etc.) THIS EVENT IS ONLY ONCE EVERY FOUR YEARS: Do not miss this opportunity to participate at drupa with AIPIA support...

The power of connected packaging

12-07-2019

Zappar X Packaging Europe - the power of connected packaging. Connected packaging is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing business use-cases for AR. It offers a bounty of value possibilities to brands - capitalizing on the experience economy to drive sales, engage in meaningful conversations with their audience and capture valuable data...

Simple temperature indicators add value to transit packs

With so many high-tech products being developed in the Active & Intelligent Packaging space it is sometimes easy to forget that some of the most straightforward solutions, such as irreversable temperature indicator labels, are being widely used, at scale, in a variety of roles. While technologically advanced they remain simple to use and are highly cost effective solutions to the problems caused by temperature excursions...

YES YOU CAN! With a Cantroller!

The perennial problem: How do you play your favourite computer game (which needs both hands) AND drink a cool beer at the same time, has just been solved by the nice people at Miller Lite. Last month saw the launch of a (very) limited release Cantroller, a video game controller that also holds 12 ounces of Miller Lite. The brand partnered with technology company Unit 9 to develop the controllers, which are designed using flexible circuit board technology, equipped with USB charging, bluetooth, haptic feedback and, of course, beer. The can itself can be refrigerated...

FMD security scanning measures reveal fake cancer drugs in Holland

Since the start of 2019 the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) requires all prescription medicines in Europe to carry scannable security codes on the packaging, which is recorded on a central database. In a recent announcement the Dutch Health Care Inspectorate IGJ (Inspectie voor Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd) has confirmed that a false batch of Avastin, the cancer drug made by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, has been discovered by a Dutch wholesaler...

Dynamic QR codes offer low cost, simple datalogging

Logmore is a start -up company basaed in Finland, which provides alow cost complete datalogging service, using patented, dynamic QR code technology. This means that the data recorded by the datalogger is printed on a e-Ink screen to a QR code. This code can be read by any 2D scanner, such as a mobile phone QR-code app. The result is to lower the total cost of temperature monitoring, humidity and shock detection, it says...

‘Intelligent packaging on a global scale’ says new partnership

Systech, the supply chain security and brand protection specialist, and Toppan Printing, headquartered in Japan,the global printing company and innovator in product packaging and security solutions (both longstanding members of AIPIA) have signed a five-year global licensing agreement to integrate Systech's digital e-Fingerprint® technology into Toppan's printing solutions offerings...

Real-time ripeness information for fruits with RFID

Packaging that can relay real-time information about the ripeness of avocados and other fruits contained inside was recently launched at Italian fresh produce trade fair Macfrut in Rimini. Called Smart Ripe, the new technology has been developed by Italian company Ilip in collaboration with Radio6ense, a spin-off of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, and the University of Turin’s Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences...

Flexible packaging industry to benefit from solvent thermochromic inks

The allure of printed packages and labels that change colours to reflect product temperatures has been expanded. Chromatic Technologies Inc. (CTI) has launched what it says is the packaging industry’s first thermochromic ink for use in solvent ink applications. CTI believes this represents a technological breakthrough, especially for the flexible packaging industry...

Low cost dynamic food spoilage sensor on the shelf in ‘three years’

Academics at Imperial College, London have developed low-cost, smartphone-linked, eco-friendly spoilage sensors for meat and fish packaging.These sensors are cheap enough that the developers hope supermarkets could be using them within three years,according to Dr Firat Güder, head of the college’s Department of Bioengineering...

Malibu gets connected again for 2019 Games via smart closures

Pernod Ricard is partnering with Guala Closures to support The Malibu Games 2019 by rolling out 300,000 bottles with specially developed connected closures for the first time in the USA. The new Malibu limited-edition connected bottles will be circulated in the states of Ohio and Texas, featuring the pioneering smart bottle cap. The connected closures will give consumers access to value-added extras including drinks recipes and sweepstake competitions...

New smart packaging system ’23,000 times faster than blockchain’

RAIDAtech a research and technology services developer , based in the Research Triangle, North Carolina, USA since 2018, has developed safer, faster, less expensive and more secure solutions for the packaging industry with a suite of new and innovative applications to authenticate products, prevent counterfeiting and engage customers with brands, it claims...

Smart Packaging Magazine free download

01-07-2019

A free download of the new Smart Packaging Magazine is now available. Download it here. Read all about how to disrupt your brand’s packaging with the latest Active & Intelligent technologies Data mining, extended shelf life, consumer engagement, brand authentication, security, less waste and improved logistics & recycling through the implementation of new concepts in packaging

Mining the potential of Augmented Reality in Packaging

18-06-2019

Eef de Ferrante, Managing Director of the Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association, shares his viewpoint on the value of AR within the packaging industry. In an augmented way...

North American Brands confirm A&IP is the way ahead

Participants at the highly acclaimed AIPIA Summit of the Americas in New Jersey (3/4 June) demonstrated the strong swell of support for disruptive, digital technologies in packaging. In particular Brand Owners showed that Consumer Engagement and product security, through the use of A&IP, is now very high on the agenda, alongside Sustainability and Circularity...

A&IP can be a ‘HolyGrail’ for recycling

A pioneering project called HolyGrail, led by Procter & Gamble and facilitated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, ended officially on May 23rd. This follows three years of development to improve post-consumer recycling using chemical tracers and digital watermarks, with the aim of moving closer to a circular economy. Several AIPIA members participated, including Digimarc, Filigrade and Verstraete IML as well as many Brand owners such as Danone, L’Oreal, PepsiCo, Nestlé and P&G. Involving altogether 29 partners, the project was a ‘full value-chain pre-competitive collaboration’ established to discover how the tagging of packaging can impact the accuracy of sorting and recycling systems...

Zappar wins top Award at AWE for 7-Eleven AR campaign

Having been selected as one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Businesses in the AR/VR industry as part of the annual ‘World’s Most Innovative Company’ awards in February, our good friends and members, Zappar have picked up a prestigious Auggie Award at the AWE (Augmented World Expo) for its 7-Eleven Always on Augmented Reality campaign...

Strategic partnership improves closure offering for wines and spirits

Tapì Group, an international group specializing in the design, production, and distribution of high-end technological closures for the premium beverage sector, and AIPIA member Thin Film Electronics, the near field communications (NFC) solutions specialist, have signed a Letter of Intent for an exclusive joint partnership to combine their innovation capabilities to upgrade their offering to the wine and spirits industry...

New Marker technology! Just join the Dotz

Dotz is an Australian-listed and Israel-based tech company which has developed proprietary marking, tracing and verification technology. ValiDotz™ security markers are non-toxic, carbon-based markers that can be easily mixed into plastics, coatings, inks, and varnishes to create product-specific codes, says the company...

New Magazine Smart Packaging delivering Brand Value

29-05-2019

AIPIA, in conjunction with BXP and Deloitte are offering a special magazine, which will be the industry’s leading guide for the latest trends and solutions focused around Active & Intelligent Packaging. Beautifully designed, this edition will be an excellent resource for packaging and branding professionals to reference year-round.

Microdot printing solution gives products a DNA

Anoto a Swedish headquartered digital writing and drawing solutions provider, introduced , in late 2018, Anoto DNA (ADNA), which makes it possible to uniquely and unobtrusively code paper and products in a way that can then be easily read using a wide range of mobile devices...

HP uses smart packaging and RFID for enhanced customer experience

HP Brazil will shortly introduce the integration of radio frequency identification technology (RFID) and smart packaging for its printers. These identify products by means of labels, boxes and other digitally printed materials with elements that are invisible to human eyes, but activate responses in an installed app on smartphones, helping to expand the customer experience...

First, check your egg…

Dutch retailer Albert Heijn has the ambition to make all fresh supply chains transparent by 2025. The store continually strives to improve the well being of their egg laying chickens, as part of its animal welfare campaign, so needs to deliver at least a 1-star BLK certification for all eggs sold at its stores..

New ‘live view’ barcode reading technology

A new barcode technology can help to greatly reduce food waste, claims OAL Connected, which is offering a solution to read these embedded barcodes inline. Tesco has recently unveiled the barcodes on meatproducts in its Jack’s stores, with an anticipated roll-out to further products and sites, in a bid to reduce waste...

Report sees strong growth of QR codes, with APAC leading the way

The latest Mintel Global Packaging Trends Report 2019 identifies Connected Packaging as one of four key themes which are driving the future development of packaging. Notably, the research shows QR codes making a strong comeback, particularly in Asia Pacific (APAC)...

STOP PRESS: Stora Enso launch the future of Retailing with RFID

16-05-2019

Leading AIPIA member, Stora Enso has introduced a turnkey solution for automated and unmanned retail. The solution, called New Retail, merges in-store and online shopping by using sustainable RFID tags for wireless authentication and payment...

NFC enabled caps and closures go global as partnership announced

14-05-2019

BERICAP, one of the largest suppliers of plastic caps and closures for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets, and AIPIA member Thinfilm Electronics, a major global developer of near field communications (NFC) solutions, have signed a Letter of Intent for an exclusive joint partnership to develop fully integrated digital authentication solutions for closures in over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and industrial applications...

Nestlė China increases Blockchain use to track & trace products

Nestlė’s China operation is set to expand the amount of information traceable via Blockchain with a target to increase this inventory between 15 – 18% in the coming year, according to a report in Food Navigator Asia...

Blocking material stops RFID signals leaking

Its not often we talk about ways to STOP RFID signals, but, for some retailers, an obstacle in maximizing the effectiveness of their RFID-enabled inventory systems is the ability to isolate waves within specific sales environments. If the waves cannot be blocked, and kept segregated, the technology’s precision and effectiveness will be limited...

Pallet with active RFID offers immediate track and trace data

“Lightning-GARD pallets are the only pallet in the market with an active RFID that continuously beams information to a Cloud-based dashboard to report a variety of customer-specified critical factors,” according to Jeffery Owen founder and CEO of Lightning Technologies. “Users determine the threshold for temperature, humidity, time in transit, impacts, shelf life and location; the dashboard displays the readings in real-time, highlighting any pallet that deviates from the settings...

Latest nano-optic structures for brand protection and enhancement

Nanotech Security Corporation, based in Vancouver, Canada, which researches, creates and produces nano-optic structures and colour-shifting materials used in brand protection and brand enhancement, has released its first products specifically targeting the commercial brand market...

PepsiCo personalizes hydration via QR and mobile app

Built to reflect how people drink water today it says , a new hydration platform from PepsiCo, is a connected ecosystem that responds to the rise in consumption of low-and-no-sugar drinks as well as heightened focus on plastic's effect on the environment. Consumers can access the system on their smartphones via a QR code sticker on their re-usable container...

Follow your Nose….

In this newsletter we spend a lot of time talking about tags, labels, inks, coatings and additives, etc. But from time to time a slightly different approach to ‘smart’ packaging comes along which we like to celebrate too...

America calling! AIPIA USA Summit: Snacks, Packs and Facts!

With the program of over twenty expert speakers, discussing everything from the latest disruptive digital technologies to a dynamic way to tell if milk is sour (!) ensures that the delegates for the second AIPIA USA Summit (New Jersey 3-4 June) will find something to add value to their Brand and business!...

Climb every mountain, read every tag!

Swiss outdoor clothing and equipment brand Mammut has begun to deploy Near Field Communication (NFC) RFID technology to boost customer interactions and increase supply chain transparency. According to Tim Hegglin, Mammut Sports Group's head of corporate communication, the solution needed to help create an ecosystem that would feature inventory visibility, according to the report in RFID journal, as well as communicate with consumers...

Join the Freakshow says new AR wine label app!

The Michael David Winery, based in Lodi California has announced the launch of its interactive face filter app, using Augmented Rality (AR). Freakshow Maskerade allows users to become their favorite characters from the highly successful Freakshow wine brand and enter to win their way onto the wine label...

On-Metal RFID tags enable 100% retail inventory tagging

Longstanding AIPIA member Avery Dennison has released two new RFID tags that are intended to be applied to small, metallic and liquid-containing products, ranging from canned sodas to shiny perfume packaging. The company's On-Metal tag can operate with similar sensitivity to that of standard UHF RFID tags, according to Francisco Melo, Avery Dennison's VP and general manager of global RFID. They enable 100% tagging of all products at a retail location, he says...

Nestlé, Carrefour and IBM mash up with blockchain!

Nestlé has teamed up with French supermarket chain Carrefour and IBM to use the latter’s blockchain technology to track a famous French convenience food, the companies announced recently. Nestlé and Carrefour, both members of IBM’s Food Trust blockchain platform, will use the technology to track the supply chain of Mousline, a well-known brand of instant mashed potatoes...

Waitrose champions new food film made from langoustine shells

UK up-market retailer Waitrose , part of the John Lewis Partnership, has joined forces with a Scottish biotec company, CuanTec to develop a new film for food packaging made out of waste langoustine shells...

NanoPack makes Progress: Life in a bowl of cherries + HAVE YOUR SAY ON NANOPACK!

Providing better fresh produce, bakery products and proteins, by producing packaging for extending their shelf-life and quality, is the core objective of the EU-funded NanoPack Project. The active packaging materials are now being tested with a wide range of products and are showing some remarkable results...

Tetra Pak enters connected packaging space

Tetra Pak has launched a connected packaging platform, which will transform milk and juice cartons into interactive information channels, full-scale data carriers and digital tools, it says. Driven by the trends behind Industry 4.0, and with code generation, digital printing and data management at its core, the connected packaging platform will bring new benefits to food producers, retailers and shoppers, according to the company...

Ultra-low cost flexible electronics set to connect everyday items

AIPIA member PragmatIC, one of the leading developers of in ultra-low cost flexible electronics, has launched the first products in its ConnectIC® family. The PR1101 and PR1102 flexible integrated circuits (FlexICs) are designed for use in closed HF RFID systems. The company believes this new range will be pivotal in the acceleration of the smart packaging market...

Smart olive oil bottle triggers re-filling and extends shelf-life

Olivery is a ‘smart’ olive oil bottle and refill system. The bottle itself is made from a special kind of glass that helps the olive oil stay fresh for longer. Violettglass is a special type of light reflecting glass which blocks all colours except two to slow down the oxidizing process. In addition the bottle contains an LED in the base which lights up when the contents are low to alert the user its time to re-order...

New partnership combines Augmented Reality with product protection

Document Security Systems (DSS), which develops anti-counterfeit, authentication, and diversion protection technologies, has announced it has entered into an agreement with Zappar, one of the leading exponents of Augmented Reality (AR) and interactive delivery experiences...

Security labels and seals for pharma and pain patches

Schreiner MediPharm has combined its expertise in innovative specialty labels and integrated solutions with folding box manufacturer Edelmann to create a smart medicine packaging solution with diverse digital features, it says. It includes the BitSecure copy detection technology for product authentication as well as a closure seal with an integrated NFC chip and an additional void effect for tamper evidence. It is compliant with the EU Falsified Medicines Directive, effective February 2019...

Taking packaging to the next level at drupa 2020

AIPIA has been asked to take part in an initiative, by drupa 2020 organisers Messe Dusseldorf, to highlight new printing technologies for the packaging sector. The Touchpoint packaging initiative’s main goal is to display how innovative printing technologies, such as printed electronics, or digital security codes, will contribute to the future of packaging...

Stock worries? Bring in the drones

Pensa Systems, which develops autonomous perception systems, has launched a new retail inventory visibility system which has been tested recently by AB InBev in a Canadian retail outlet. The system is designed to inform retailers and brands of what is actually on shelves – across all stores, everywhere, at any point in time...

Active & Intelligent Packaging in China: part of a RMB2.5 trillion business by 2020

The rapid development of e-commerce, strong economic development and urbanization has greatly promoted the development of the packaging industry in China - with technologies, such as Smart and Active Packaging, a major part of the modernization process. China is already the second largest ‘packaging’ economy in the world, and growth is set to continue well above 5%, reaching RMB2.5 trillion by 2020. So it is a very fertile market for the latest Active & Intelligent Packaging (A&IP) technologies...

Embedding RFID tags into syringe labels ensures drugs can be tracked

Drug manufacturer Nephron Pharmaceuticals, based in South Carolina, is building UHF RFID tags into the labels that are applied to its prefilled syringe products. The system makes each item individually visible where RFID readers are employed at its own facility, as well as at its health-care customers' facilities, says a report in RFID Journal...

Two solutions extend shelf-life of avocados

US-based WP Produce, the largest importer and distributor of tropical avocados worldwide, has announced significant improvements to lengthen the shelf life of their Desbry avocados. Tropical avocados—also known as green skin avocados—are seeing a rise in demand due to the overall popularity of avocados globally...

Bridging the gap between QR mobile payments and NFC devices

The NFC Forum has released a new ‘candidate’ specification that makes it easy for mobile payments services based on QR codes to add NFC functionality, giving “payment service providers and consumers the opportunity to take advantage of the simple and secure NFC-based payment solutions already in use worldwide...

More anti-counterfeit options with conventional printing

Schreiner ProTech has enhanced its ShiftSecure solution to include additional options and increased compatibility with conventional printing procedures, it claims. Aimed at increasing the solution’s appeal and maximizing its cost effectiveness, the new versions of ShiftSecure come in a range of colours and expanded manufacturing options which extend beyond the original product’s anti-counterfeiting benefits...

Capturing value from the smart packaging revolution

Last year Deloitte, one of the most globally recognised consultancy companies to the world’s leading Brands, published an in depth survey on the future of Smart Packaging and how to best utilize these new technologies. We publish some extracts here, but for the full story come and listen to Deloitte at the AIPIA USA Summit in New Jersey, 3rd and 4th June 2019...

Artificial Intelligence enables responsive packaging

Companies need to ensure that their products arrive at the right place, on time, and preferably in a sustainable manner and at the lowest possible cost. Packaging plays a key role in this, so finding the best packaging solution for a product is of crucial importance for reliable and cost-efficient logistics and distribution as well as good presentation to customers...

AIPIA first outing in Vietnam – then on to AUSPACK!

AIPIA will run its first ever seminar in Vietnam, during the ProPak Vietnam 2019 exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) later this month. The half day seminar (on 20th March) will feature five speakers from the AIPIA membership looking at, in particular, supply chain issues and condition montitoring technologies – particularly relevant to the burgeoning market in that country for seafood exports...

Looking Absolutley Fabulous – the packaging too!

MetaShield a USA based innovator in the field of advanced materials, has launched MetaShieldCLEAN™, a fully transparent, nanotechnology-based coating that repels a significant amount of the stains, dust and dirt which can accumulate on consumer packaging during everyday use...

A BRANDS CHANCE TO GET 15 PITCHES ON HIGH TECH PACKAGING

05-03-2019

AIPIA, the Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry is looking to team up with a major Brand Owner to run an Active & Intelligent Packaging Challenge during the upcoming AIPIA Congresses. More and more major Brand Owners are recognizing that, with the rapid developments in today’s digital era, packaging has a unique opportunity to play a significant role in enabling and facilitating connected platforms and providing the consumer with increased engagement and increased confidence/loyalty towards products. So they are looking to integrate Active and Intelligent packaging (A&IP) to enhance the consumer experience, provide traceability, enhance safety and/or security, as well as extending shelf-life or reducing waste...

New CEO joins Thinfilm as company reports whisky campaign success

Kevin Barber has joined Thinfilm as CEO in late 2018. He is responsible for driving worldwide strategic growth, scaling product innovation and manufacturing operations while increasing market penetration and identifying new business opportunities...

Major European menswear retailer rolls out RFID in 100s of stores

French menswear retailer Celio has deployed RFID technology across all 750 of its stores, in one of the largest deployments of the technology in Europe, according to a recent report in RFID Journal. The system's rollout was completed following a 12-month set-up period, bringing visibility to inventory at each location. RFID was taken live at the point of sale (POS), along with electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology, at 55 store locations by the end of 2018...

Counterfeiting gets harder with ‘unclonable’ tag

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark claim to have created an ‘unclonable’ tag that can never be replicated, even by the manufacturer. They report their results in ACS (American Chemical Society) journal Applied Materials & Interfaces. Each year, counterfeit goods cost billions of dollars in economic losses. While manufacturers have tried to incorporate unique tags or bar codes on their products to help verify a product's authenticity, the counterfeiters often quickly work out how to copy these...

Fruit sticker extends freshness by up to 50 per cent

A USA start-up, based in Seattle, aims to combat food waste through a new sticker which it claims can keep fruit fresh for up to 14 days longer. Stixfresh is a label which can be applied directly to fruits which generate ethylene during the ripening process. The sticker’s coating is made up of a formula of beeswax and ionised sodium chloride, and has GRAS (generally recognised as safe) status in accordance with the US Food and Drug Administration...

Disappearing ink with a blue hue adds security to track & trace

At the end of last month Domino launched a new thermal inkjet (TIJ) ink that has already found track-and-trace applications in the tobacco industry. The coding, marking and printing specialist says the clear, ultraviolet-activated ink is helping to boost security in track and trace processes, with the added bonus that its vibrant blue hue has a limited life cycle and disappears completely...

Blockchain and Business News

Several announcements have been made by AIPIA members and major brands/retailers about Blockchain applications and business developments. Here is a short roundup...

Smart label pilot proves full supply chain interoperability possible

A new e-commerce solution has been piloted on UPM Raflatac’s shipments in routes all over Europe. The smart labels use Internet of Packaging (IoP) technology to log and share information about the packs during the delivery process. The company said the pilot demonstrated that the solution provides full interoperability between supply chain stakeholders without requiring heavy IT integration...

Price breakthrough for NFC tag inlays

A new NFC tag inlay, jointly developed by NXP and Identiv, is now available to order at an “unrivalled” price of US$0.05 per unit, “enabling a new generation of smart products across a wide range of end markets where NFC may have been previously considered price prohibitive.” The five cent per unit pricing is available when ordering a minimum of 20,000 units of Identiv’s 25mm diameter dry inlay design...

Danone taps into smart cap for mineral water brand

AIPIA member Water.io has worked with Danone to develop a ‘smart cap’ which will be incorporated into the Brand’s Spanish mineral water Font Vella, allowing consumers to track their levels of hydration. Named Coach2O, the widget will monitors consumers’ water intake and “coach them towards adequate hydration”, according to Danone...

Digital connection for wines and spirits

A new product from international cap manufacturer Ramondin and tesa scribos, specialists in product digitalisation, produces wine and spirit bottles that are digitally connected. The new bottle caps become a secure starting point for customer interaction, counterfeit protection and collection of market data. The new Connected Bottle was unveiled at Vinitech in Bordeaux in late 2018...

Multiple holographic security images from nanoscale 3D printing

Researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have used 3D printing to develop something that not only looks cool, but can also be used to deter counterfeiting. The device, which the scientists call “holographic colour prints,” creates images that appear as a regular colour print under white light. But under red, green or blue laser illumination, the device projects up to three different holograms...

Unique identity for every item uses HP and Digimarc technologies

AIPIA member Digimarc has introduced a new serialized packaging solution combining Digimarc Barcode and the HP Link platform, which can provide every printed object with a unique identity and offers a cost-effective option for tackling supply chain problems, claim the companies...

Smart cap kills bacteria on reusable water bottles

CrazyCap is a replacement cap for refillable style water bottles. The cap was developed by a Miami-based startup Microlyscs to sanitize the water from municipal sources or lakes/rivers in a streamlined manner with minimal effort...

Things get lighter with Coca-Cola

On labels applied to a limited edition of 700 glass bottles, the iconic Coca-Cola logo lit up when touched. The 330-mL bottles were sent to Coca-Cola employees and “influencers” as part of Coke’s #BeSanta campaign, says a report in Packaging World (USA). The technology behind the campaign comes from Berlin-based Inuru, a specialist in Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED)...

Blockchain ecosystem to ‘revolutionize’ supply chains

A breakthrough blockchain-powered technology from an Australian company could revolutionise track and trace in supply chains, it claims. Provenance and, the ability to prove it, is becoming essential, not only as a selling tool but also as a means of brand IP protection against counterfeiting. John Baird, CEO of Ultimo Digital Technologies is driving the development and distribution of its new Ubique Chain of Things (UCOT) ecosystem, according to an article which appeared in PKN...

Major commitment to RFID sustainable products and production

Smartrac announced its Green Tag Program to the public recently. In addition to its existing commitment to minimize any possible ecological impact of its manufacturing processes, the RFID and IoT developer has taken on an obligation to manufacture RFID products that live up to a true sustainability promise even under strict Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) scrutiny...

Battery free smart sensor attracts smart money

Wiliot, the Israel based semiconductor innovator, has raised a $30 million series B funding for a total of $50 million. This follows its demonstration of the first-ever sticker-sized Bluetooth sensor tag, incorporating an ARM processor, powered solely by scavenging energy from ambient radio frequencies. at the National Retail Federation 2019 Retail’s Big Show in New York City recently...

Digital twinning can help reduce food waste

Food waste occurs at all stages of the supply chain, from farm to distributors, retailers and consumers. Food that would otherwise end up in a landfill, contributing to greenhouse gases, can be turned into a resource, however, by redistributing it to various channels, such as food banks, in order to help people in need. Digital twining via the Internet of Things (IoT) could help to solve this problem, according to an article by Neil Sequeira, director of product management and marketing at QLIKTAG Software, which appeared in RFID Journal...

Invisible digital watermark opens consumer channels

Thimm, the German-based packaging and POS specialists, has developed a display that uses an invisible code to open up new channels for communicating with customers for the launch of a new mueslis brand. These digital watermarks in printed images are positioning Fresh Nuts with its Meray brand as one of Europe's leaders in ethnic market sales, says the company...

Smart Packaging Developer? Join The Growcery at The Big Squeeze!

The Growcery is an ecosystem where Brands and startups/scale-ups team up to maximize the success of consumer-centric products and business models. It gives access to a pilot infrastructure enabling rapid prototyping and pilot production for consumer-oriented innovative projects. It actively involves a diverse range of niche players and experts to deliver tangible improvements for the Growcery community through joint learning, technology standards & best practices and shared services...

Morrisons to trial new film coating to extend produce life

One of the UK’s top six supermarket chains, Morrisons, is set to trial a new film packaging technology developed by long standing AIPIA member It’s Fresh! The new film is claimed to prolong the life of fresh produce. Dubbed a ‘purposeful packaging’ technology by the company, 'Infinite', a sustainable active deliver system, has been designed to reduce food waste in supermarkets, in the supply chain and at home, it says.

Final tests for watermarking plastic bottles in 2019

Speaking at the recent AIPIA Congress in Amsterdam Filigrade’s CEO Johan Kerver confirmed that final tests on watermarking of plastic bottles to aid recycling will be carried out in the first quarter of 2019 and they are partnering with a French company, as yet unnamed, to build the first processing plant.

Full temperature traceability of pharmaceuticals in 7 seconds

The strength, efficacy and potency of a drug can be profoundly degraded by changes in temperature. So drugs should be stored and transported only within temperature conditions under the terms of their Marketing Authorisations (MA),” says Stéphane Mure founder of Thermolabo. His company has worked with AIPIA member BluLog for a simple solution and created the Sensolabo®.

Zappar looks at AR packaging landscape in 2019

According to a recent article in Food Navigator Augmented Reality (AR) content is growing fast thanks to the launch of Apple’s ARKit, Google’s ARCore, Snap’s Lens Studio and ZapWorks. Following the AIPIA Congress in Amsterdam FN interviewed Zappar, which has worked with Mindshare UK and Neuro-Insight, to produce a ‘Layered’ report which explores user behaviour and predict key AR trends for the coming year.

Intelligent packaging solutions go global with Microsoft cloud platform

Stora Enso has joined forces with Microsoft to bring cloud-based intelligent packaging solutions to clients globally. Intelligent Packaging by Stora Enso utilizes Microsoft Azure, the leading cloud platform for business digitalization, it says. The global and scalable cloud platform enables reliable and secure data collection and analytics for clients investing in innovative intelligent packaging solutions, according to the company.

One quarter of alcohol consumed in many emerging markets is illicit

If you needed to sober up after all the seasonal merriment a new White Paper from Euromonitor, which provides strategic market research, says illicit alcohol accounts for 25.8% of consumption in 24 countries studied in three regions: Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe (including Russia).

Luxury cognac uses NFC chip to connect with consumers

As announced at the AIPIA Congress in Amsterdam, Rémy Cointreau is to integrate an NFC chip technology, supplied by some of the Association’s leading members, NXP Semiconductors and Selinko, into the cork stopper of all the decanters produced for its Louis XIII luxury cognac brand. This enables buyers to register their purchase and become a member of the Louis XIII Society, a private club where members can enjoy exclusive content, unique experiences and personalized services through their smartphones.

Label shows how to chill out with red wine

We may all be shivering in the cold in the northern hemisphere, but it is always summer somewhere on the planet. Australian based Taylors Wines is featuring touch-activated sensors and temperature guides on its packaging as part of the 2018/19 summer ‘Taylor the Temperature’ campaign, which encourages consumers to chill their red wine before serving, according to a report in PKN.

Ultra low cost RFID inlays now possible with new machine

PragmatIC recently announced a strategic collaboration with Smooth & Sharp Corporation (S&S), a supplier of RFID inlays and manufacturing tools, which will accelerate the adoption of PragmatIC’s flexible integrated circuits (FlexICs).

Top quality wines protected by ‘brittle’ tag

Toppan Printing has developed the Cachet-Tag™—an NFC1 tag designed to ensure that removal breaks the antenna circuit and makes reading impossible. It has been selected for use on all Grand Cru wines produced by Domaine Ponsot, a top quality wine producer based in Burgundy, France. Shipments of products using Cachet-Tag commenced in October 2018.

AIPIA and BXP to launch special magazine

19-12-2018

BXP, in conjunction with AIPIA, are offering a special edition issue, which will be the industry’s leading guide for the latest trends and solutions focused around Active & Intelligent Packaging. Beautifully designed, this edition will be an excellent resource for packaging and branding professionals to reference year-round.

And now – the Internet of Beauty!

Albéa, on of the world's top cosmetic packaging wholesalers and manufacturers of packaging and beauty solutions has launched the Internet of Beauty (IoB), an innovative connected packaging project developed by a cross-functional team of marketing, design, IT and packaging engineering experts. In addition, The Internet of Beauty was built in partnership with key players from the beauty industry as it opens news opportunities for brands to interact with consumers, says the company.

Get ready for the INVISIBLE RFID tag!

AsahiKasei will make their second appearance at the AIPIA Congress this year having created quite a stir with their ground breaking printing technology ideas for printed electronics last time. This year promises to be just as exciting with the introduction of a sub-micron rol lto roll (R2R) technique to acheive an ‘ínvisible’ RFID tag.

Cool and hot inks reduce product tampering and counterfeiting

The BlindSpotz™ technology of Chromatic Technologies Inc (CTI) is helping stop product tampering by inventing the first dual-indicator to detect product tampering from heat and freezing, according to the company. The use of extreme temperatures (especially sub-zero temperatures) to circumvent traditional security measures on packaging has increased substantially among criminals in recent years, with no effective deterrent until now, it claims.

New sustainable RFID tag technology

Continuing the environmental theme, ECO™ by Stora Enso is designed for intelligent packaging functionalities in supply chain, retail and e-commerce applications. The technology enables paper-based RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology tags, providing a plastic-free and recyclable solution for packaging authentication. The company will present during the AIPIA Congress on it range of paper-based smart technologies.

Taking recycling and waste seriously: A&IP a ‘positive development’

In some quarters Active & Intelligent Packaging (A&IP) is seen as an additional challenge when looking at packaging recyclability. While the current focus is very much on Single Use Plastics, there are some who believe adding an additional component, such as an RFID/NFC tag, to any pack can create recycling difficulties.

E paper and UHF inlay combine for battery-less tag in Japanese stores

AIPIA member E Ink Holdings, a leading innovator of electronic ink technology, has worked with Fujitsu Semiconductor to jointly develop a reference design board for battery-less ePaper tags. The solution adopts E Ink's low voltage ePaper module and Fujitsu’s UHF FRAM RFID LSI.

Blockchain for pharmaceutical contract packing projects

Global contract packaging organisation, Tjoapack, has partnered with UK-based technology company, Veratrak, to establish the use of blockchain across the pharmaceutical industry.

Next step in Intelligent Payment & Packaging: Scan, Engage and Pay

Steve Howells, senior director – product marketing at Smartrac will explain how intelligent packaging can now be used to enable NFC based devices to become a means of payment

How-to integrate packaging innovation into a company - Staying ‘Ahead of the Curve’

This discussion at the upcoming Congress is based on years of experience and learnings involved with integrating new packaging innovation and technology into fast moving consumer products for a major multinational Brand Owner.

New fridge container tag signals freshness

A Chicago based tech startup, Ovie, is launching a series of products on Kickstarter to help people stop wasting food and money by keeping track of their food at home before it spoils. The Ovie Smarterware system turns an ordinary fridge into a smart fridge, but without the smart fridge price tag, says the company

From Pets to Packaging?

GTX Corp an Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider in the GPS wearable location and wandering assistive technology business, recently announced the launch of a new GPS tracker and Near Field Communication (NFC) digital ID system called Rover Tracker. Its for Pets, not PET bottles, but the furry kind. But hey, its a small step from Man’s Best Friend to Packaging

Secure supply chains, blockchain and brand protection

Systech CEO Ara Ohanian will enlighten delegates on Using software to secure a supply chain from the manufacturing floor to the consumer’s hands. He contends this marks a shift in packaging industry. It is almost certain the term Blockchain will be mentioned. And in a timely reminder of the growing importance of this, Systech has recently partnered with Pharma Logistics IQ to produce a report entitled: Blockchain: Can Cryptocurrency Revolutionize Brand Protection?

New NFC Forum White Paper: Bridging Digital and Physical Retail with NFC

Connected Consumers Are Here! So says a new White Paper introduced by the NFC Forum, entitled: Bridging Digital and Physical Retail with NFC. The Forum’s executive director Paula Hunter commented: The era of the ‘connected consumer’ is here – and it’s not just millennials. People of all ages and backgrounds are turning to the Internet to interact with digital content, services, experiences and brands. They’re going online for entertainment, education, knowledge, social sharing and commerce.

Time to go bananas over food waste!

Not every ‘smart’ pack has to feature a gizmo or an interactive device to make it clever. One Korean supermarket has launched a new form of banana packaging, which is being hailed as “genius” on social media. Not only does it, in some respects, extend shelf life, but at the same time promotes healthy eating!

Augmented Reality goes live: from niche to the mainstream

Constantia Flexibles, which will be presenting and exhibiting for the first time at the AIPIA Congress, has developed an innovative platform ‘Constantia Interactive’ in conjunction with its strategic technology partner Wikitude, an independent AR technology provider. The companies showcased ‘Interactive Packaging' at this year's Pack Expo, Chicago, recently

Time for Brands to Take a Reality Check!

24-10-2018

There are still many Brands out there, both big and small, who have yet to switch on to the potential of Active & Intelligent Packaging to help them Differentate and Boost their Products. If you are one of those, why not jump in at the Deep End and spend two full days submerged in the world of Active & Intelligent Packaging by attending the AIPIA Congress in Amsterdam? You can find out about ALL that Active & Intelligent Packaging has to offer and how it can connect and Add Value to YOUR Brand...

Plastics recycling made simpler by watermarking

19-10-2018

One of the major issues facing the packaging sector at present is the huge negative reaction to plastics waste, particularly in the oceans, but also because the world is coming to dread the term ‘single use’ – even if in reality flexible packaging is a very resource efficient material.

Promoting medication adherence with intelligent packaging

19-10-2018

There are few companies who know more about the journey towards revolutionizing their packaging than Jones who, in 2013, embarked on a six year journey to create a ‘next generation’ of pharmaceutical packaging. They share some of their experiences and pit stops along that road at the AIPIA Congress.

Crown closure uses AR to give better consumer experience

19-10-2018

One of the latest technologies making its debut at the Congress is DAPP, a digital application which is sponsored by Pelliconi , a premier closures design and manufacturing company based in Bologna Italy. The company has particular expertise in the crown cork closure area and is adding a new dimension to this, most traditional, form of closure.

Seeing IS Believing!

With over 30 confirmed booths in our renowned Seeing is Believing demonstration areas the AIPIA Congress will offer delegates the most comprehensive ‘window’ on the world of Active & Intelligent Packaging developments ever!

Don’t water the flowers!

Waterless Internet Flower Packaging, developed by Indian flexible packaging giant Uflex, has been becoming increasingly popular among global flower companies. It works on the principle of Active Modified Atmospheric Packaging (AMAP) through Flexfresh™, a special patented polymeric film, offering shelf-life extension solution for fresh fruits, vegetables as well as flowers.

UHF RFID tag system plots expiry and inventory of speciality drugs

A US based health-care service Asembia, is managing the inventory dating and expiration of its high-value medications using an UHF RFID system from Truecount Corp, according to an article in RFID Journal. Tag provider Charming Trim & Packaging provided the UHF inlay labels that are attached to the pharmaceutical packaging. The system employs Truecount's Simple RFID software solution.

Just tap the Talkin’ Cap

Talkin’ Things®, a top innovator in product communication platforms, together with Closure Systems International (CSI), have collaborated to integrate smart packaging technology into CSI’s global platform of closures. Come hear about this and other T’T developments at the AIPIA Congress.

Interactive folding boxes can be used with smartphones.

Siegwerk, a longstanding AIPIA member and leading supplier of printing inks for packaging applications and labels, is working on innovative folding box applications for interactive communication between the product and the consumer.

Cannabis tagging expanded following successful roll out

AIPIA member Applied DNA Sciences has recently announced that it is launching an additional system to tag the industry’s larger volume cannabis or hemp grows as part of TheraCann International’s ETCH Biotrace™ solution.

Traceability and One-on-One customer engagement

As we keep reminding people, one of the most important reasons for the growing success of Active & Intelligent Packaging is its ability to engage directly with the consumer in a totally different way than ever before. So it is not surprising that several speakers at the Congress will be sharing their knowledge about the Latest A&IP developments in this area.

New NFC wrap around tamper evidence label for medical devices

Schreiner MediPharm has introduced a novel Autoinjector-Label which wraps around the autoinjector, including the cap, and has an integrated NFC chip that can be read via a smartphone app.The EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to serialize their products and to provide secondary product packaging with an anti-tampering device. Primary containers or devices such as pens and autoinjectors for self-medication, however, are not included in these requirements yet.

Orange juice gets Blockchain treatment at Albert Heijn

Consumers buying orange juice at Dutch retailer Albert Heijn can follow the route of their product through blockchain thanks to a partnership between AH and Refresco. The partners have clarified

Visual Oxygen indicator for food packaging

The main cause of most food spoilage is oxygen where aerobic food-spoiling micro-organisms grow and thrive. Using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) it is possible to reduce the concentration of oxygen to very low levels which means an increase of shelf-life of the product.

TWE Rolls out AR experience on its major Brand wines.

We are always very excited by Augmented Reality (AR) applications so it is pleasing to find a report in Australias leading packaging publiucation PKN that, following its successful foray into augmented reality on its 19 Crimes wine labels last year, (see AIPIA newsletter 03/01/18) Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has invested in the technology at scale, launching it on two more of its leading brands.

Look, no App! Latest iPhones have backround tag reading function

According to Thinfilm CEO Davor Sutija last week was an important milestone in the evolution of NFC technology. Apple’s launch of the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models was accompanied by news that these devices will feature an important enhancement to the iPhone NFC experience: a background tag-read capability that allows users to launch NFC-based mobile experiences without requiring a mobile app.

Bluetooth electronic data logger for Cold Chain System

Tracking temperatures of sensitive products enroute to its destination is now more accurate, easy and reliable with the introduction of LOG-IC® 360 Bluetooth Data Logger, says American Thermal Instruments, who developed the device. The addition of Bluetooth technology provides multiple advantages for the cold chain system worldwide, it claims.

DHL secures temperature sensitive shipments

18-09-2018

One of the leading global brand in the logistics industry, DHL, assures that temperature-sensitive international shipments are transported within authorised conditions. With services that are crucial for companies from different sectors, the company is now partnering with AIPIA member Blulog to optimize supply chain processes.

Better Recycling with A&IP

18-09-2018

To demonstrate just how environmentally responsible Active & Intelligent Packaging can be, one of the Congress presentations this year features Recycl3R, which uses the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide value to something that is not valuable for the brands: their packaging waste.

Nano molecules ‘light up’ on packaging when bacteria present.

18-09-2018

Contaminated produce continues to cause illness and even death in many parts of the world. Now a new type of smart food packaging may help to prevent food-borne illnesses from E.coli and other pathogens . Scientists at McMaster University in Canada have developed packaging that monitors for bacteria in food and emits a fluorescent signal if they are detected. Findings were recently published in ACS Nano.

Wear the Shirt! Visit the Lab wot dun it!!

Avery Dennison was recently named the global licensee of F.C. Barcelona's name and numbers shirt customization according to an article in Printed Electronics Now. Avery Dennison products include names, numbers, crests, woven labels and specialty trims. The company is already a provider for a number of the top clubs in La Liga and 90% of clubs in the English Premier League.

Self-heating can for beverages and soups heading for retail shelves

The 42 Degrees Company, which acquired the patent for self-heating coffee cans last year, has redeveloped the ingredients and packaging of the product and will be launching it to suppliers and convenience stores soon.

‘Final approval’ for antioxidant ‘blockbuster additive’ for plastics

Addivant has received final approval for its ‘blockbuster additive’ WESTON 705, the first antioxidant since the 1970s that has achieved global food-contact approvals. The next generation nonylphenol-free liquid phosphite antioxidant for plastics and elastomers can be used in water bottles, dairy milk bottles and packaging for snacks, as well as several other formats.

Cutting Food Waste with Inexpensive ‘Slippery’ Packs

New research from Virginia Tech aims to cut down on the food waste left in sachets and convenience packages at food service outlets, as well as the consumer frustration it generates. The University has created a novel approach to creating super slippery industrial packaging. The study establishes a method for wicking chemically compatible vegetable oils into the surfaces of common extruded plastics. It was published in Scientific Reports and has a provisional patent.

Next Step in Scalable Connectivity: Eco-friendly Technology

Each week from now until the AIPIA Congress (19-20th November) we will be featuring at least one of the exciting presentations already lined up for this year’s event. To kick off we are pleased to welcome back to our speakers’ list leading innovators in smart packaging for paper products, Stora Enso.

Look! No Hands: JD.com’s First Unmanned Store Outside China

Mega Chinese e-commerce retailer JD.com has expanded its unmanned store concept to Indonesia, marking the first time it has unveiled the technology platform outside China. The new JD.ID X-Mart employs various technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) and facial recognition, to enable customers to pick up items and walk out with them, without stopping to pay. So someone can try on a garment and walk right out of the store wearing it.

Distributors now Share Security and Traceability Platform

Tangle Teezer® a leading supplier of LifeStyle hairbrushes, designed and made in the UK, has been using the CODIKETT® product security solution since 2015. More than 250 product variants are being sold in over 70 countries. So physical and digital product security, global grey market control, GEO tracking and direct customer communication were major challenges.

Amazon Delivers Clothes and Adventures.

US clothing rental company Gwynnie Bee has teamed up with Amazon's Alexa to offer members an interactive unboxing experience that will let members interact with and learn about Gwynnie Bee's size-inclusive subscription service.

Tamper Proof RFID Label Offers More Secure Solutions

AIPIA member Identiv has launched the latest addition to its radio-frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), and inlay portfolio. The next-generation Tamper-Proof RFID Label is compatible with any NFC inlay, according to the company.

RFID Round-up: Food Service Savings, Long Range Tamper Evidence and Sewn in Apparel Tracking

Several stories featured in RFID Journal and elsewhere demonstrate the multiple talents of tag technology which is clearly ensuring the markets for them are expanding at the same, or even at a greater rate, than their functionality!

New Holographic Seal Complies with FMD

As the Europe-wide Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) comes into force in February 2019 it requires all pharmaceutical manufacturers to mark their prescription medicine packaging with a serial number and an additional tamper protection device.

New Temperature Monitor Ensures Perferct Produce Cooling

Longstanding AIPIA member DeltaTrak® introduced its new FlashTrak PreCool Prime at the PMA Foodservice Conference in Monterey, California recently. The device is an automated wireless solution that monitors and records temperature during pre-cooling and alerts when correct internal produce temperature is reached.

Printed Susceptors Lead to Sustainable Microwave Packaging

One of the highlights of the recent China Summit was a presentation by FPInnovations in Canada which has developed a printing approach to produce safe microwave susceptor packaging. By utilizing a unique patterning approach to prevent overheating, the risk of scorching or ignition of the package is reduced, while increasing the heat uniformity of the food being microwaved.

Aussies can Serenade and Slurp at the Same Time!

Whoever coined the phrase ‘Wine, Women and Song’ did not probably have a musically enabled wine bottle in mind. But our friends at PKN in Australia have discovered that an alcohol delivery company has partnered with Spotify to release a special-edition range of wines which can be paired with music.

A Sustainable Powered Up Pack Using Paper Batteries

BillerudKorsnäs and researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden have taken an important step towards the development of paper batteries. Together they have taken basic research based on pure cellulose from algae and developed it to work with the same type of fibre that BillerudKorsnäs usually uses to manufacture packaging material.

Malibu Deploys 300,000 Connected Bottles for Summer Campaign

As part of its 2018 ‘Because Summer’ campaign, the leading rum brand Malibu is continuing its connected bottles journey to support the Malibu Games. The project, which marks another collaboration between Malibu and Internet of Things (IoT) agency, SharpEnd, represents a huge scale-up operation as part of the brand’s connected bottle journey, they say.

On-Demand RFID Printing Simplifies Logistics Tracking

Pinnpoint, a supplier of self adhesive labels has partnered with RFID inlay solutions provider Smartrac and laser printer manufacturer Lexmark to create ‘on-demand ‘ RFID printing. These solutions allow shippers to automatically view the status of returned goods via RFID tag reads, facilitating the growing reverse logistics model for online shopping, they claim.

AIPIA’s Hat-trick of Successes

We know the World Cup is over, but we couldn’t resist a last mention – to blow our own trumpet! During the tournament AIPIA hosted three major Active & Intelligent Packaging events, one in the USA and two in Asia.

Batteryless RFID Label Can Change Price Data

Powercast is launching a revolutionary new power-harvesting RFID label, known as the Batteryless Electronic UHF Retail Price Tag, according to an article in RFID Journal. It enables RFID-based updating of electronic paper (e-paper) information, such as prices for retail shelves. The company is partnering with systems integrators that could develop their own solution for stores.

Crown Takes Blockchain and Thermochromics to the Next Level

In a first for the beverage industry, Crown Bevcan Europe & Middle East, a business unit of Crown Holdings is launching its CrownConnect™ technology in conjunction with FACT - an all-natural sparkling drink. Each can will be marked with a 2D unique scannable code, making FACT beverage cans the first ever to be produced with a unique digital identity.

Two Smart Packs from Schreiner Created using Printed Electronics

The ((rfid))-Digital Void Label from Schreiner Group provides electronic tamper evidence and can be read using smartphones. It makes label tampering visible, indicating a potential risk to consumers. Manufacturers benefit as well, because integrated geotracking as a monitoring function allows them to see where their products are used, says the company.

Connected Bottles for a Soccer Crazy World

Thin Film Electronics a leader in NFC mobile marketing solutions, has announced el Jimador tequila as a new customer - a leading brand of Brown-Forman, one of the largest American-owned companies in the wine and spirits industry. It will use Thinfilm’s complete NFC mobile marketing solution to enhance marketing efforts for its summer soccer campaign. El Jimador sponsored the Mexican National Soccer team’s 2018 US tour prior to arriving at the FIFA World Cup.

Scaleable Production Process for Nano Food Barrier Film

At Purdue University researchers have developed a large-scale manufacturing process that may change the way some grocery store foods are packaged. The Purdue team, led by Jeffrey Youngblood, a professor in it’s School of Materials Engineering, created a new manufacturing process using cellulose nano-crystals (CNCs) as advanced barrier coatings for food packaging.

Recycling Just Got Smarter

UPM Raflatac has combined digitalization with the circular economy. By adding the RafMore smart label solution to its RafCycle® recycling process, the company is able to optimize the waste collection process from its customers, it says. The smart labels added to the recycling containers and scanned by a mobile app tell when the customers' waste is ready to be collected.

New Humidity Indicator Maintains Integrity of Dry Packs

Clariant has introduced the Humitector type 2 non-reversible humidity indicator cards for SMD dry packing. The new humidity indicator cards have been developed to maintain the integrity of dry packing, which protects moisture-sensitive devices during shipment or storage.The cards contain low-halogen and free from cobalt dichloride, a substance of concern to the European Chemical Bureau

Glowing Goose Makes this Vodka Stand Out

Grey Goose is one of the most famous brands of vodka. Now its logo is standing out even more thanks to a limited edition bottle which features a new electroluminescent label. The label’s components are integrated inside and there is no wiring. Also it is waterproof, which is a key advantage.

New IML Label Offers Greater Shelf Life for Soups