In July 2026, Smart packaging has a huge role today in every industry, especially the FMCG industry. Such packaging is highly demanded as it supports various technological features and enhances security. It is ideal for product traceability, transparency, and better consumer information, as per GlobalData reports.
The research company also states that packaging today is way beyond traditional methods. Today, the packaging industry, along with the inclusion of advanced technology, not just helps retailers and brands to keep track of their packages, but it also helps consumers to know every minute detail about their product. It is also treated as a part of a wider information system, helpful to connect regulators, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.
With the introduction of government schemes such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and recycled-content requirements, multiple businesses are feeling pressured to provide accurate reports and proof of compliance. Hence, companies involved in malicious practices are always in search of ways to keep their activities hidden from the government, but technology today doesn’t spare anyone easily. The well-renowned research company also states that smart packaging is helping companies to meet such demands, along with providing easier access to information about the product to the consumers.
GlobalData’s latest Industry Insights: Smart Packaging report also states that growing demand for smart packaging in every industry is majorly fueled by stricter environmental regulations, food and drug safety requirements, and the growing need for better supply chain traceability, along with enhanced consumer communication.
Richard Parker, Principal Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, said increasingly complex reporting requirements are also compelling companies to widely adopt digital packaging technologies. Hence, such actions are also necessary for the industry to allow them to work diligently and also to provide accurate data to the consumers about their products. Advanced technology is also helpful for the brand and the retailers to keep a tap on their product and identify the situation in case of any issues or mishaps.
“Regulators’ complex reporting demands” are increasing the use of “scannable and trackable features.” He said active packaging technologies, including freshness indicators, also provide practical benefits that help build “confidence in quality and transparency”. Such technologies also help to strengthen trust and reassure consumers about the quality of the products delivered to them.
Active Packaging- It uses materials or built-in features helpful to improve the product performance, such as antimicrobial coatings and indicators that monitor temperature or freshness. It also has capabilities such as shelf-life extension technologies to maintain a product’s freshness and keep it intact for a longer time. The packaging is inclusive of oxygen scavengers to remove trapped or permeating oxygen to prevent oxidation, discoloration, and rancidity. It also consists of moisture regulators to prevent sogginess or drying out to ensure the crispness of the product. Ethylene absorbers help to capture ethylene gas to accelerate ripening and decay to preserve the freshness of fruits and vegetables during transit.
Digitally Connected Packaging- It uses digital technologies, including QR codes, RFID, and NFC tags, to exchange information easily throughout the supply chain and also with consumers. It helps to maintain the trust of the consumers and also helps to enhance the pool of consumers. It is also known to transform static containers into interactive marketing channels, helpful for brands to deliver rich, personalized content in the form of video tutorials, sustainability certifications, and loyalty rewards directly to consumers, which they can easily access on their smartphones. The technology is also stated as an essential, multi-faceted tool for modern supply chains and brand management.
A major shift in the packaging industry towards sustainability is also influencing companies to think about how smart technologies are applied. The packaging material also keeps changing to support recycling and circular economy goals. Companies also provide clearer disposal instructions and collect more data for regulatory reporting. Smart packaging helps to support such situations by linking products to material-specific information and compliance data.
GlobalData also says that packaging information should vary as per different regions, as regulations may differ across countries and even within national markets. The report highlights that the adoption procedure is not observed without any challenges. The companies face various investment costs to upgrade production lines and digital systems, while many consumers continue to prioritize value over the features of smart packaging.
Apart from regulatory compliance, smart packaging also helps companies to study consumer behavior. Digital features help companies to provide information about purchasing preferences, regional demand, and product performance. Scan-based surveys help to capture immediate feedback on new products, flavours, and limited editions. Parker stated that businesses should primarily focus on practical applications rather than technology for its own sake.
“Smart packaging must be integral, practical, and beneficial” to products and business operations.
31 July 2026
30 July 2026
30 July 2026
30 July 2026