LONDON, UK — Polytag has announced an integration with Videojet Technologies that enables brands and manufacturers to print smart QR codes directly onto packaging during production, combining product identification, consumer engagement and traceability through a single code.

The collaboration is designed to help companies deliver connected packaging experiences while supporting emerging retail and regulatory requirements, including GS1 Sunrise 2027 and the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

Smart QR Codes Combine Production and Consumer Engagement

The integrated solution links Videojet’s industrial coding and marking systems with Polytag’s content management platform.

During production, manufacturers can print QR codes containing variable product information, including:

• Batch numbers
• Best-before dates
• Product identification data

The same QR code can also direct consumers to digital content, such as:

• Product information
• Sustainability credentials
• Promotional campaigns
• Loyalty programs
• Interactive brand experiences

According to the companies, the platform allows content to be customized by product, market, language or marketing campaign while using a single QR code printed on the packaging.

Dynamic Product Information Without Packaging Redesign

The collaboration enables brands to update digital information linked to a QR code without changing the physical packaging artwork.

Rather than printing separate barcodes, web links and product information, manufacturers can consolidate multiple functions into a single data-rich QR code generated during production.

This approach provides greater flexibility for updating consumer-facing information throughout a product’s lifecycle while maintaining existing production processes.

Supporting Traceability and Product Authentication

Beyond consumer engagement, the platform supports applications requiring enhanced supply chain visibility.

Using Videojet’s coding equipment together with Polytag’s platform, manufacturers can generate unique serialized QR codes to enable:

• Item-level traceability
• Product authentication
• Anti-counterfeiting measures
• Digital Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) applications

These capabilities are intended to improve product tracking across manufacturing, distribution and retail channels.

Preparing for Emerging Regulations

The partnership aligns with the packaging industry’s transition toward 2D barcodes under GS1 Sunrise 2027, which encourages retail point-of-sale systems to support QR code scanning alongside traditional barcodes.

The solution also supports future compliance with the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which will introduce Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for many product categories sold within the European Union.

A single QR code can provide access to structured product information, including materials and supply chain data, while allowing brands to update digital content without reprinting packaging.

Connected Packaging Continues to Expand

Connected packaging is becoming an increasingly important area of investment as manufacturers seek to combine production data, consumer engagement and regulatory compliance.

Features such as multilingual content delivery, location-specific information and real-time content updates enable brands to serve multiple markets using the same printed packaging, reducing the need for market-specific packaging variations while improving flexibility across global supply chains.

Last Updated on 24/07/2026 by Jota Machinery