The technology of "smart packaging" in transport plastic containers
What is smart packaging?
Smart packaging is packaging solutions that use various innovative technologies to collect and transmit information about the condition of a product, its location and storage conditions. These technologies make it possible to track products at all stages of the supply chain, providing transparency and control, as well as improving the functionality and information content of traditional packaging.
In the context of transport plastic containers – boxes and containers – "smart" packaging is a system that provides:- Monitoring of storage conditions. Smart boxes and containers can be equipped with sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure and other parameters that monitor the storage conditions of products. The data is transferred to a special device or cloud storage, which allows you to monitor the condition of goods in real time.
- Location tracking. Plastic containers can be equipped with GPS trackers, which allows you to track their location in real time. This increases the safety of transportation and simplifies the delivery process.
- Access control. Smart boxes and containers can be equipped with access control systems that allow you to control access to goods and prevent unauthorized opening of packaging.
- Interactivity. Smart packaging can include interactive elements, such as QR codes or RFID tags, which allow consumers to obtain additional information about the product or track its history.
For this purpose, the following are used:
- Sensors and sensors. The installation of status sensors in plastic containers allows you to monitor the condition of the product (temperature, humidity, pressure, tightness) in real time.
- QR codes and NFC. The use of QR codes and NFC technologies allows consumers to access additional product information with just one scan. This may include information about the origin of the product, expiration dates, methods of use, or warranty information.
- Internet of Things (IoT). This technology allows you to connect different devices and systems. Smart containers can be connected to cloud platforms, which allows you to track their location and the condition of goods in real time throughout the entire logistics process. With this feature, companies can optimize delivery routes based on up-to-date information about the condition of containers and quickly respond to changes in storage or transportation conditions, preventing damage to the goods.
Advantages of smart packaging
- Tracking. One of the main advantages of smart packaging is the ability to track goods or cargo in real time. This is especially important for transport plastic containers, which are often used to transport perishable products or valuable goods. With the help of RFID tags or QR codes, you can easily identify each item and monitor its movement.
- Improving the quality of product storage. Sensors can detect changes in temperature, humidity or pressure, which is especially important for products with a limited shelf life. If the storage conditions do not meet the established standards, the system can send a notification to the responsible persons, which helps to prevent spoilage of products.
- Safety of the goods or cargo. Smart packaging increases the safety of transportation and storage of goods by tracking location, access control and the ability to quickly respond to emergency situations. Status sensors and monitoring systems help to respond promptly to any changes and minimize the risks associated with improper storage and transportation of goods.
- Optimization of logistics processes. Automated product tracking allows you to reduce inventory time and reduce the risk of errors when processing orders. In addition, product status information can be used to plan delivery routes and manage inventory.
- Improved information content. Smart packaging provides consumers with additional information about the product. When the consumer scans the QR code, they follow the link to a website or mobile application, where they can additionally get acquainted with the characteristics of the product and other information about it. This helps to increase consumer confidence.
Factors that contribute to an increase in demand for smart packaging:
- Increasing requirements for product safety and quality. Existing and new regulatory requirements for the safety of food and other goods require stricter control over the conditions of their storage and transportation. This leads to an increasing need for innovative and thermoregulatory solutions capable of providing such control and monitoring of conditions at every stage of the supply chain.
- Technology development. Technological progress in the field of sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT) and the analysis of large databases makes smart packaging more accessible and efficient, allowing you to create "smart" containers with a wide range of functions.
- Increased competition and the ability to print on any surface. Companies are increasingly using smart packaging to differentiate their products from competitors and improve customer service. Today's technologies allow you to apply a QR code and other markings on any surface - paper, label, plastic, etc.
Thus, smart packaging is a promising technology that changes the approach to logistics and storage of goods. It provides a new level of safety, efficiency and informativeness, making the processes of moving and storing products more controlled and transparent. Smart packaging technology opens up new opportunities for transport plastic containers, providing not only optimization of logistics processes, but also improving the safety and quality of goods and cargo, as well as creating value for the end user. Given the growing demand for supply chain transparency and technological progress, the smart packaging market will continue to grow and evolve, providing companies with tools to improve the efficiency of their operations and improve the customer experience.