Connected Labels, the Future of Brand Communication
In the modern world of packaging and logistics, interactive labels are emerging as an innovative solution to meet the growing needs of connection, traceability and sustainability.
By Raffaele Angelillo | On PRINTlovers 105
Let's try to make a point about a technology that, given its multi-sensory nature, can be easily apposed with the world of ennoblement.
Interactive labels can be defined as those labels that incorporate technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) tags, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or other forms of digital identification and communication that allow the product to be enriched with interactive and dynamic information, accessible through electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Interactive labels offer a wide range of benefits that translate into tangible benefits for various industries. One of the main advantages is certainly interactivity, which finds many applications in both marketing and distribution. Thanks to these labels, consumers can scan a QR code or zoom in on an NFC-enabled device and get additional product information, such as nutritional details, instructions for use, demo videos, or even brand history. Interactivity allows consumers to personalize their shopping experience, enriching their knowledge and engagement with the product.
Another significant benefit of interactive labels is traceability. In the context of modern supply chains, it is crucial for companies to be able to monitor and track products efficiently and securely. Interactive labels allow to collect and transmit information in real time, improving inventory management, facilitating inventory tracking, and reducing risks associated with counterfeiting. This ability to track a product along its entire supply chain offers companies greater security and reliability, especially in the case of companies where exports represent an important core business.
In addition, interactive labels allow to update information in real time. This means that companies can provide consumers with important information on their product, such as safety updates, new features, or even changes in product details, without having to reprint new labels. The integration of these technologies provides the possibility for a continuous communication, which is particularly important in highly regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, where accurate and timely information is essential for consumer safety.
Sustainability is another crucial aspect in the adoption of interactive labels. With the increasing focus on environmental impact, reducing the use of paper materials has become a priority for many companies. Interactive labels, being digital, contribute to this reduction, often replacing the need for printed information or paper documentation, and thus reducing the overall ecological footprint of the packaging.
The practical applications of interactive labels are manifold and extend to different sectors. In the food industry, for example, interactive labels can provide consumers with detailed nutritional information, allergen warnings, recipe tips, or even the ability to trace the origin of ingredients. In the pharmaceutical industry, interactive labels are particularly useful for ensuring the authenticity of drugs, preventing counterfeiting and facilitating cold chain management for temperature-sensitive products. These labels may also include codes to download detailed instructions for the use of the drug, improving adherence to therapy and patient safety.
Looking ahead, interactive labels will continue to evolve and integrate with emerging technologies. With the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), where physical devices are increasingly connected and exchange data over the internet, we can expect labels to become even more sophisticated. In particular, the use of augmented reality (AR) is destined to grow. Interactive labels in the future could integrate visual information superimposed on the product image, offering immersive experiences that allow consumers to view interactive data, such as reviews or historical information, directly on their smartphone.
With the increasing adoption of these technologies, interactive labels are likely to become standard practice in the near future, revolutionizing the way consumers interact with products and improving companies' operational efficiency.
By Raffaele Angelillo | On PRINTlovers 105
Let's try to make a point about a technology that, given its multi-sensory nature, can be easily apposed with the world of ennoblement.
Interactive labels can be defined as those labels that incorporate technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) tags, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or other forms of digital identification and communication that allow the product to be enriched with interactive and dynamic information, accessible through electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Interactive labels offer a wide range of benefits that translate into tangible benefits for various industries. One of the main advantages is certainly interactivity, which finds many applications in both marketing and distribution. Thanks to these labels, consumers can scan a QR code or zoom in on an NFC-enabled device and get additional product information, such as nutritional details, instructions for use, demo videos, or even brand history. Interactivity allows consumers to personalize their shopping experience, enriching their knowledge and engagement with the product.
Another significant benefit of interactive labels is traceability. In the context of modern supply chains, it is crucial for companies to be able to monitor and track products efficiently and securely. Interactive labels allow to collect and transmit information in real time, improving inventory management, facilitating inventory tracking, and reducing risks associated with counterfeiting. This ability to track a product along its entire supply chain offers companies greater security and reliability, especially in the case of companies where exports represent an important core business.
In addition, interactive labels allow to update information in real time. This means that companies can provide consumers with important information on their product, such as safety updates, new features, or even changes in product details, without having to reprint new labels. The integration of these technologies provides the possibility for a continuous communication, which is particularly important in highly regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, where accurate and timely information is essential for consumer safety.
Sustainability is another crucial aspect in the adoption of interactive labels. With the increasing focus on environmental impact, reducing the use of paper materials has become a priority for many companies. Interactive labels, being digital, contribute to this reduction, often replacing the need for printed information or paper documentation, and thus reducing the overall ecological footprint of the packaging.
The practical applications of interactive labels are manifold and extend to different sectors. In the food industry, for example, interactive labels can provide consumers with detailed nutritional information, allergen warnings, recipe tips, or even the ability to trace the origin of ingredients. In the pharmaceutical industry, interactive labels are particularly useful for ensuring the authenticity of drugs, preventing counterfeiting and facilitating cold chain management for temperature-sensitive products. These labels may also include codes to download detailed instructions for the use of the drug, improving adherence to therapy and patient safety.
Looking ahead, interactive labels will continue to evolve and integrate with emerging technologies. With the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), where physical devices are increasingly connected and exchange data over the internet, we can expect labels to become even more sophisticated. In particular, the use of augmented reality (AR) is destined to grow. Interactive labels in the future could integrate visual information superimposed on the product image, offering immersive experiences that allow consumers to view interactive data, such as reviews or historical information, directly on their smartphone.
With the increasing adoption of these technologies, interactive labels are likely to become standard practice in the near future, revolutionizing the way consumers interact with products and improving companies' operational efficiency.
05/09/2025
