b'Smart PackagingPhoto by Bruce Mars from Pexels CHRIS PARTRIDGE givesPRODUCT packaging that can interactentirely on plastic underpays costing the lowdown on the smartwith shoppers smartphones to displaya penny or two, making them a far individual greetings and tailored offersmore affordable option.product packaging set tobased on previous purchases are goingThe potential of NFC tags is hit the high street. to be big news on the high street beforeonly just being appreciated. If the too long. application warrants it, sophisticated The trend will be driven by thesensors can be included. A thermal arrival of very low cost near fieldtracking sensor, for example, can communications (NFC) labels thatrecord the temperature history of a communicate with smartphonespackage containing heat-sensitive automatically when the phone isloads such as drugs or perishable food, passed over the package. It is theso the consumer can be assured it will same system that enables contactlessarrive in prime condition. Last year, ELECTRONIC SHELFpayments. NFC labels point theat American Footballs championship phone to the retailers website wheregame, the Super Bowl, fans could buy LABELS WILL MAKEthe customer information is held,special-edition Tostito tortilla chips LIFE EASIER FORor to the product suppliers site forwith an alcohol sensor in the label. things like marketing information andFiring up the app (available on the SHOPPERS ANDtechnical support. grounds Wifi system) enabled them Of course, this sort of systemto test themselves for alcohol, and to SUPERMARKEThas been available for some yearsorder an Uber automatically if they with QR codes (those square blockyfelt unsure about driving. WORKERS, BYgraphics), but they have been heldSmart packaging also enables AUTOMATICALLYback by the need for the customermanufacturers to eliminate some of to fire up the phones camera andthe small print by putting technical UPDATING ITStake a picture. NFC makes the wholesupport in all languages and for all process automatic. QR codes haveregions online, accessible simply by PRICE TO REFLECTthe advantage of costing nothing toplacing the smartphone close to the print, though they dont look prettypackage. Speaking as a long-time PRICE RISES ORand can disrupt an attractive designbifocals wearer, I cant wait for all SALES OFFERS. scheme. Now, on the other hand,that stuff to appear in big print on my NFC electronics can be printedsmartphone screen. 54 SPRING//SUMMER 2019'