Smart Mart to make debut at next week’s Labelexpo Americas 2014

Exploring the latest advances in substrates, inks, digital systems and printing, show attendees will have the chance to see systems such as augmented reality, QR codes and scanners, RFID and NFC-enabled smart tags, temperature indicating packaging and films that prevent food spoilage.

Smart Mart is designed to highlight the ways in which brands will be better able to engage and interact with consumers, intensify their appeal and differentiate from competitors.

Those taking part in the Smart Mart feature area include Avery Dennison, who will be featuring RFID technology and presenting FiberTracker, an anti-counterfeiting labeling system that features a paper facestock with unique fiber patterns that can be scanned at point of purchase to validate product authenticity; and Thinfilm, which is exhibiting its NFC-enabled labels with temperature sensors designed to monitor perishable goods.

Derprosa Film will be promoting Bacterstop, anti-bacterial BOPP films for food contamination prevention applications, while T+Sun will exhibit its conductive ink range to make packages and objects communicate, engage consumers, manage inventory systems and provide brand authentication solutions.

Blippar will display the possibilities of digital engagement through its mobile application that allows users to explore interactive advertising through augmented reality and image recognition.

Software company Evrythng, Phoenix 27, Smartrac and Xterprise will also be demonstrating their technologies and systems in the Smart Mart feature area.

Further, Clemson University will demonstrate its eye-tracking technology, which can assist both designers and brand managers with re-branding tactics and shopper response and reach schemes.

Tasha Ventimiglia, event director for Labelexpo Americas, said: ‘Active and intelligent labels and packaging are already an effective weapon in the battle against counterfeiting, but they are fast proving to be an immensely useful tool in engaging with consumers and generating brand loyalty.

‘This is a massive growth area for our industry and market research released earlier this year by Freedonia predicts that active and intelligent packaging in the US is to rise eight percent every year, reaching 3.5 billion USD in 2017.

‘With so many new and fast evolving technologies in the pipeline, developments over the next few years in this area will be very exciting and will revolutionize the look of our shopping aisles in the near future.’

Find out more information on Labelexpo Americas 2014 and register to attend here.