ePac Flexible Packaging has introduced ePacConnect, its new platform to create the next generation of connected packaging.
ePacConnect leverages the power of digital printing to create serialised, trackable packaging, and new ways for brands to engage consumers, gain market insights and protect their brand.
ePac will offer all its customers an entry-level no-cost option – Lite –, claimed as ‘ideal’ for small and medium-sized brands, as well as the fee-based ePacConnect Premium for customers with broader requirements. This means all customer orders received by ePac will include smart, serialised secure QR codes on every package, or the brand can opt-out and no codes will be printed. By serialising each package, it is automatically digitally enabled, given a unique digital identity, and can be activated at any time to give brands flexibility for how and when the codes are used.
To make ePacConnect viable at mass scale on billions of products, ePac will partner with leading connected packaging software suppliers. Carl Joachim, CMO at ePac Flexible Packaging said, ‘We have been working with software providers that focus on connected packaging over the past several months in both the US and the UK. These companies provide the necessary secure QR codes and back-end data capture and management needed for a complete solution, and can support us globally.’
After being piloted during the last quarter of 2020 in the US and Europe, a full roll-out to all ePac locations is planned in early 2021.
ePac Flexible Packaging CEO Jack Knott said, ‘By harnessing the power of digital printing brands of all sizes can now leverage the power of connected packaging and enhance the marketing value of every packaged product they sell. ePacConnect will also play a role in our sustainability efforts to educate consumers and provide transparency into the recycling process.’
