Packaging firm demonstrates interactive label

Phil Curry - 03 Nov 2011

The implementation of plastic electronics devices in product labelling has moved another step closer, thanks to collaboration between imprinted logic circuit manufacturer PragmatIC, and speciality film manufacturer Innovia.

The two companies recently demonstrated the successful integration of printed electronic technology in a new product label.

The prototype is an interactive bottle label, using Innovia's biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) substrate. When held, the label activates a series of flashing lights, and is one example of how interactive packaging can be used to attract the consumer. The prototype was unveiled at the recent Packaging Innovations show in London.

Scott White, CEO at PragmatIC, comments: 'The label is the first in a series of things, and the prototype was a generic design to display openly. We would like to integrate the technology into real brand labels, which would be used to attract the consumer.

'The first products are likely to be more of a novelty item, a product which the customer may want to keep, which adds value to any brand using the technology.'

Further projects

PragmatIC has been developing its logic circuits with a number of applications. A recent joint venture was the production of electronic greeting cards with Hallmark subsidiary Tigerprint.

White continues: 'We are working on a number of projects within labelling at present, evolving our logic circuits towards a useful functionality. One example of their use is in an integrated timer for cooking products, or as a decision circuit, where certain data is inputted, and an outcome is displayed. This would be useful in pharmaceutical packaging, to display dose information according to patient details.'

PragmatIC is working on several projects, including further development of the Innovia label.

Steve Langstaff, OPP product manager at Innovia Films says: 'This is a highly significant step for BOPP. This exciting development is only a small part of a larger project getting printable electronics into volume packaging markets.'

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