Digital codes create a practical link between the physical and digital worlds. The lines, patterns and symbols that often appear almost unnoticed on products and packages have become a familiar part of everyday life. For consumers, their advantages are easy to recognize. A QR code, for instance, can eliminate the need to manually type information or can take someone directly to a desired webpage with a simple scan.

These codes can be equally valuable for businesses. When paired with suitable scanning and reading systems, they can support a wide range of operational processes, improve information management and provide additional functionality throughout the supply chain.

How Are Digital Codes Created?

Codes have numerous applications within the packaging sector. Using specialized professional software, experts can generate different types of digital codes and incorporate them directly into packaging artwork and print layouts.

Common examples include EAN codes and QR codes, while customized formats can also be produced according to individual requirements. Digital printing makes it possible to create highly flexible solutions, including variable and dynamic codes. This means that individual packages can carry unique codes rather than displaying exactly the same information on every item.

Target Groups and the Benefits of Codes

Printed codes can communicate useful information to a wide range of people and organizations involved with a product. Manufacturers, production employees, consumers and recycling or disposal companies can all benefit from the information made accessible through these codes.

Packaging projects may also require several different code versions, with each one serving a particular purpose or providing a different type of information. Such requirements can be accommodated by customizing the codes according to the specific needs of the product and its supply chain.

As a result, printed codes can give packaging a role that goes far beyond simply containing and protecting a product. They can create additional value at multiple stages of the supply chain, while keeping access to information simple and efficient.

From manufacturing and distribution to consumer use and eventual recycling, digitally printed codes can support numerous applications and create new opportunities for better-connected packaging processes.

Internet of Packs: Codes as a Key Component

The concept of the Internet of Packs aims to make individual packages identifiable and traceable throughout the entire supply chain by using digitally printed codes.

By attaching digital information to physical packaging, companies can make relevant data available at different stages of a product's journey. This can support greater transparency, improve traceability and enable processes to become more automated.

In this vision, codes serve as a central connection between physical packages and digital information, helping create packaging systems that can communicate useful data throughout the product lifecycle.