BillerudKorsnäs makes smart packaging investment through Kezzler

Kezzler has developed an algorithm for a unique encrypted code, which is applied to packaging and can easily be scanned using a smartphone. The technology is secure and cost effective and can be used on a mass scale. The codes are used to assign a unique identity to product items, which enables tracing in the supply chain, interacting with consumers and protecting products and brands against counterfeiting, all in real time.

BillerudKorsnäs has a strategy in which a portion of growth will be generated through new sales and technologies further along the packaging value chain. As part of this, BillerudKorsnäs Venture was established earlier this year to find and invest in early stage companies. The aim is to work closely and actively together with these companies to develop new packaging related technologies and options.

Digitalized packaging is one of the areas that the business is focusing on and the investment in Kezzler is a first important step in this direction. In financial terms, this is a minor investment for BillerudKorsnäs.

Anders Persson, managing director of BillerudKorsnäs Venture, described Kezzler as ‘pioneer in its field’, and said: ‘We believe Kezzler’s technology is highly interesting for packaging for food and other consumer goods where traceability and authenticity is important. It also offers a new channel for real time consumer interaction. This area of development is of strategic interest to us.’

Kezzler CEO Thomas Körmendi added: ‘We believe BillerudKorsnäs is an excellent strategic fit for digitalisation and the internet of packaging.

‘We are currently in a high growth phase and BillerudKorsnäs is our very first industrial investor. Their knowledge about the packaging chain and the packaging market will facilitate our continued development.’