Constantia Flexibles Partners with Wikitude in Augmented Reality Initiative

An example of augmented reality in packaging. Photo via Wikitude.

Constantia Flexibles, headquartered in Vienna, is one of the world's leading producers of flexible packaging for the food and pharmaceutical industries. The company’s customers include international food, pet food, personal care, and pharmaceutical corporations. Be it a chocolate bar, pet food or a yogurt: the packaging of these products could soon be enriched with digital information perceptible by consumers via smartphone. This feature also allows brands to learn a lot about customer shopping habits. With that in mind, the company has developed the innovative platform "Constantia Interactive." Strategic technology partner, Wikitude, is the world's leading independent AR technology provider. Thanks to the AR software from Salzburg, smartphones can easily recognize a variety of shapes and packaging. The aim of the partnership is to jointly expand the "Interactive Packaging" market.

69 Percent of Consumers Want More Information

Conscious buyers want to know more: What is really in the product? What else can I use it for? There is usually not enough space for extra information on a drink or medication package. However, consumers want exactly that: "According to our survey, 69 percent would rather choose a product for which they can call up useful additional information with their smartphone," says Alexander Baumgartner, CEO of Constantia Flexibles. "Our answer is 'Constantia Interactive.' As soon as the smartphone camera detects the innovative product packaging, additional information about ingredients, instructions for use or interactive marketing campaigns appear."

Augmented Reality: From Niche to the Mainstream

Exactly because packaging comes in different shapes and sizes, it’s important to have a reliable mobile app that can recognize them all. Augmented reality apps based on Wikitude can do that whether the user has an Android, iOS or Windows device. Wikitude CEO, Martin Herdina is confident these capabilities will change the world. "Google search revolutionized the Web 20 years ago. Likewise, augmented reality will fundamentally change the way we consume information," he says.

The strategic collaboration with Constantia Flexibles is another important step in that direction.

“When customers unite product discovery with such apps on their everyday shopping, augmented reality will soon be the norm to every consumer,” says Herdina.

Sources: Wikitude and Constantia Flexibles.

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