fpm brief

The FPM Brief, a new series of articles on consumer CPG research and behavior, highlights how research insights fuel creative intelligence in packaging design, branding, and marketing. By analyzing consumer interactions and purchasing drivers, we reveal strategies that enable brands to connect authentically with their audience, empowering them to stand out in today’s competitive market.

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Designing Tomorrow: Navigating the Frontiers of Intelligent Design in 2024

Smart Packaging

This week, we delve into a groundbreaking trend set to revolutionize the packaging industry: Smart Packaging.

The Evolution of Packaging: Smart Solutions for 2024

As we move further into the digital age, the role of packaging is expanding beyond traditional functions. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) elements into packaging is not just an innovation; it is a fundamental shift in how we perceive and interact with products. We live in an age where packaging designs can be intelligent, sustainable, and aesthetically advanced.

The Rise of Intelligent Packaging

Recent research shows that smart packaging represents a confluence of technology and consumer needs, offering solutions that extend far beyond basic containment. Imagine packaging that can monitor product freshness in real-time, track logistics, and provide interactive experiences. This leap in packaging capability is akin to adding a layer of intelligence that enhances both functionality and user engagement.

The Technology Behind Smart Packaging

Advances in artificial intelligence and materials science have enabled designers to create packaging that is both functional and responsive. These smart packages can perform a variety of actions:

  • Sensors: Embedded sensors provide real-time data about the product’s condition, ensuring optimal freshness and quality.
  • Actuators: These components can control various aspects of the packaging, such as opening mechanisms, shape-shifting properties, and color changes.
  • Optical Materials: These materials can reveal internal conditions like air pressure and humidity, enhancing the transparency of product status.
  • Chemical Reaction Materials: Capable of detecting gas concentrations and pH levels, these materials act as guardians of product integrity.

Case Study: Nespresso’s Intelligent Coffee Capsules

A prime example of smart packaging in action is Nespresso’s intelligent coffee capsules. These capsules utilize advanced technology to identify flavors, adjust water quantities, and optimize temperature, ensuring a perfect brew every time. This innovation not only enhances the user experience but also demonstrates the potential of smart packaging to elevate everyday products (Fig. 1).

RFID Technology: Enhancing Communication

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags, such as those developed by Avery Dennison, are revolutionizing the packaging landscape. These tags facilitate wireless communication without direct contact, enabling efficient tracking and interaction. This technology is instrumental in creating a seamless, contactless future for packaging (Fig. 2).

The Future of Packaging

Intelligent packaging is more than a passing trend; it is a pivotal development that is set to redefine the industry. By combining technological advancements with consumer insights, we are creating packaging solutions that are not only protective but also proactive. As we embrace this packaging revolution, it is crucial to balance innovation with data security and privacy, ensuring that these advancements serve and protect consumers.

Stay tuned for more insights into the future of packaging with Foerstel+Piper+Martin. Together, we are shaping a future where packaging is smarter, more efficient, and more aligned with consumer needs.

Credits: Exaqua for FPM

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Tom Foerstel : Founder & President

Tom Foerstel

Founder & President

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 60’s, Tom developed a strong desire to create positive change for people and planet.

He went on to pursue his passion for art and design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and worked for design firms in Southern California before moving to Boise, Idaho in the early 80’s. Foerstel Design opened its doors in 1985. Since its inception, the firm has cultivated a bold, happy, forward-looking team focussed on creating distinct and effective work on behalf of their clients.

An integral part of Tom’s philosophy is giving back to the community in which he lives — a company cornerstone that drives Foerstel’s long history of providing pro-bono services to local non-profit humanitarian and arts programs.

One of Tom’s proudest personal achievements is his ability to say Supercalifragilisticexpyalidocious backwards.