Constantia gets smart with NFC labels

Norway-based maker of printed electronics, Thinfilm, has announced a partnership with the

Austrian flexible packaging and labelling firm, Constantia, to produce pressure sensitive labels

using Thinfilm’s NFC OpenSense technology for use within the beverage industry for consumer

engagement and mobile marketing applications.

NFC, or near-field communications, is a technology that allows for communication between two

objects, when they are in a proximity of two centimetres or closer from one another. It is the

technology used, for instance, that allows mobile phones to make Apple Pay or Samsung Pay

transactions.

Thinfilm said it has received a “six figure” unit order from Constantia for NFC OpenSense. The

partners are now working to create key manufacturing and application processes for incorporating

NFC OpenSense technology into wine, spirit, and beverage labels as well as flexible packaging for

consumer packaged goods.

NFC OpenSense tags are thin, flexible labels that can detect both a product’s “factory sealed” and

“opened” states and wirelessly communicate contextual content to consumers with the tap of an

NFC-enabled smartphone. Each tag is uniquely identifiable and, when combined with a custom app

and cloud-based software, enables item-level communication to a “market of one.”

In addition, the tags remain active even after a product’s factory seal has been broken, allowing

brands to keep in touch with the consumer beyond the point-of-sale, including offering customers

the opportunity to purchase a new pack on completion.

Mike Henry, EVP label division at Constantia Flexibles, said: “We have been collaborating with

Thinfilm for over a year and are convinced our companies share an innovative DNA that will lead to

real market differentiation.”

Davor Sutija, CEO of Thinfilm, said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with one of the premier

flexible packaging and label firms in the industry.”