Meeting regulatory requirements without losing packaging space
Some laws on labelling allow brands to put certain information on-line, rather than on-pack: freeing up space on packaging, but also allowing brands to offer far more in-depth information than would otherwise be possible.
New EU regulations for the wine industry, which came into effect in December, mandate that ingredients and nutritional information are included on wine labels. But that can be via a QR code that links to the information online.
Similarly, spirits and beer industries are providing similar information voluntarily.
Pernod Ricard, meanwhile, uses the QR code on its labels to link to responsible drinking guidelines and health risk warnings as well as an ingredients list.
But there are signs that this could go much further and providing QR codes could become a legal requirement in some areas. South Korea is looking to mandate label-free packaging for water bottles, providing the necessary info with QR codes.
Pic: getty/imagesbybarbara
