Augmented Reality (AR) uses technology to superimpose images onto the world around us. AR in packaging is a great way to engage with customers, and create unique experiences.
In this week’s post, we’re showing you different ways to use AR in packaging. Read on to learn more!
Bring A Brand Icon to Life
If your packaging features a brand icon or mascot, you can use AR to bring them to life. With AR, your brand can literally speak for itself!
A great example of this includes Snoop Dogg’s 19 Crimes wines. By downloading a free app and scanning the famous rapper’s face, you can hear him say a few catchy lines. The selection of wines features the stories and faces of 18th century convicts, who tell their stories when scanned with the 19 Crimes AR app.
Another example of using this technique in packaging is Francesco Rinaldi pasta sauces. Each jar invites users to scan to bring Mrs. Rinaldi, the brand’s icon to life! Mrs. Rinaldi can then tell users what sets her sauces apart from its competitors. You can watch Mrs. Rinaldi tell you about her sauce here!

AR as Promotion and to Drive Sales
AR can also be a great way to promote an upcoming product! Glico, the famous Japanese confectionery shop used AR on its packaging to promote the release of the 3D movie Stand By Me Doraemon. Specially marked packages of popular Glico snacks like Pocky and Pretz contained a drawing of the titular character, which customers could colour in and scan to bring to life in their homes!
Using this technique in this way also helps drive sales of Glico products, as other people who see the AR being used will want to try it for themselves! Each package also featured special packaging that marked the products with the virtual experience inside.
To Provide Product Information
Sometimes, a product needs just a little more explanation, and using AR can help! SIG used AR in their packaging to show off some of the benefits of their product.
When scanned, the carton plays an animated video that outlines some of the product’s features and benefits. Since SIG’s packaging is minimal, the use of AR helps add more information without compromising on the design! You can watch the AR in action here.
Using AR in this way can also be helpful for emphasizing your brand’s history. Jack Daniels whiskey, for example makes use of this technology to create a walkthrough of their distillery. This AR tour shows off the brand’s history and product creation process.
AR as an Extended User Experience
AR can be used to add aesthetic value to packaging, but can also enhance your end-user’s experience! This can come in the form of games, or a special packaging design.
Herbal Essence’s bio:renew collection of hair products, when scanned with AR presents users with a game to clean up a virtual beach. They use the extended AR experience to emphasize the eco-friendly focus of their line of products.
Is AR in Packaging For Me?
While AR might seem challenging, it’s a great way to add value to your packaging. AR is a great option for anyone looking to create unique, interactive packaging. This adds another dimension to your packages, taking the artwork from 2D to an immersive experience. Interested in AR packaging for your business? Contact us and we can work together to learn how AR can enhance your custom packaging!