How can next-generation semiconductors like Pragmatic’s FlexICs be embedded into packaging to make it "smart" and traceable?
“Since they’re ultra-thin and physically flexible, Pragmatic’s FlexICs can be easily embedded into packaging without altering its form or function, converting standard goods into smart, trackable assets. Because of their low price point, they’re ideal for deployment at scale, extending intelligence to high-volume products and providing real-time data on location or provenance.”
What are some potential global implications for retailers using smart and traceable packaging solutions?
“Smart packaging can supercharge retail supply chains by improving logistics, reducing losses, and fighting counterfeits. It enhances customer engagement and delivers operational savings whilst also helping retailers to meet sustainability targets. Globally, this means smarter operations, better brand protection, and a lower carbon footprint.”
How do FlexICs contribute to cost-effective and reusable packaging, particularly for low-cost items?
“Low-cost chips make digital intelligence viable for low-value items. Embedding a standard chip into these items simply wouldn’t be possible – it’s cost-prohibitive, and the rigid form factor wouldn’t allow it to adhere to the packaging surface in the way that FlexICs can.”
Can you explain how this reusable packaging revolution supports a circular economy?
“Smart, reusable packaging will be critical to the success of sustainable retail business models, since it makes it easy to keep materials in play and ensures accurate recycling at end of life. This shift away from take-make-waste models helps to cut waste and conserve resources, reducing environmental impact.”
How do reusable packaging solutions reduce single-use packaging waste, especially during high-demand periods like the holiday season?
“Easy tracking and return processes reduce reliance on single-use packaging, even during peak shopping seasons. Smart packaging streamlines logistics, minimises waste, and supports a more sustainable retail experience—keeping packaging out of landfill and in use where it belongs.”
How can smart packaging deliver more interactive and personalized experiences for consumers during their shopping journey?
“A FlexIC chip embedded in product packaging creates an opportunity for the brand to become the gateway to deeper consumer engagement. Just a simple tap of a smartphone unlocks a world of product details, authenticity verifiers, storage guidance, and sustainability information—creating a shopping experience that’s smarter, personalised, and highly engaging.
“It also creates an opportunity for engagement beyond the point of sale, giving quick and easy access to special offers, usage guidance and, at end of life, recycling information, or details of the nearest return point. Customers can also be rewarded for consistent and repeated packaging reuse by a simple credit mechanism, linked to their mobile device.”
What role does smart packaging play in providing consumers with greater transparency about product origin and authenticity?
“Smart packaging allows consumers to instantly verify product authenticity, with the peace of mind that this unique, item-level identifier can’t be tampered with or stickered over in ways that other, less secure methods could.
“Smart packaging will also play an important role in the proliferation of Digital Product Passports (DPPs). DPPs create a digital record of a product’s lifecycle, providing full traceability and authenticity. This allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, as well as supporting accurate recycling and reuse—a key demand as sustainability becomes central to consumer expectations.
How might consumers interact with smart packaging using their devices to gather more information about the products they purchase?
“With just one tap of a smartphone, consumers can securely access valuable product insights – from origin and composition to usage guidance – as well as personalised recommendations or rewards tailored to factors such as location and season. This creates a rich consumer journey and a seamless transition between physical and digital brand experiences.”
For more information, please visit www.pragmaticsemi.com