With estimates showing China’s economy is set to grow more than 8% in 2021, the clear message is that the country’s business is fully open again and accelerating. One important trend for 2021 relates to the desire of many companies to employ packaging more effectively, to share brand storytelling and product information, by incorporating key messages on the packaging.
To take full advantage of these opportunities AIPIA and its Representative in China, Prime Business Consulting, are organizing a Smart Packaging Summit, as both a live and virtual event, on 23 June in Shanghai. The Summit will be co-located with two major packaging events organized by informa markets, ProPak China and FoodPack China, at the National Exhibition Convention Center.
A key element in the development of Smart Packaging is to tap into the smartphone revolution, which is strongest in the APAC region and in China most particularly. As the most populous country in the world it should come as no surprise that China is home to the majority of smartphone users in Asia. There are over 851 million users there, which is 146% more than second-placed India, while the United States comes in at 260 million users (figures Oberlo 2020).
Smart packaging with RFID or NFC tags are popular and easier to handle
With so many people in China using these devices for so many purposes, the opportunities for Smart Packaging are huge. Connecting via QR, RFID/NFC tags or printed electronic Smart Labels is increasingly popular and easy, with or without an App. WeChat too has got into this market with several leading suppliers and retailers, including JD.com. Consumers want information about the product authenticity as well as to be able to take advantage of special offers and promotions.
Smart Packaging is also a critical weapon in the fight against counterfeiting and market diversion, which are major problems in China. These need to be addressed urgently if Brands exporting to the market are to feel confident about future investments, as well as Chinese Brands building a stronger reputation both domestically and internationally. In addition the rapid expansion of demand for Consumer Packaged Goods has led to pressure on supply chains which need to be more secure and managed more efficiently.
Wu Chao-Wu, CEO of Prime and Chief Representative of AIPIA China said, “The timing of the Smart Packaging Summit is ideal to take advantage of the resurging Chinese economy. The event has already attracted the interest of many leading Smart Packaging providers and several Brands – which operate here and export from here – have expressed the desire to attend. We will shortly release a preliminary program, which will develop rapidly in the coming weeks.”
Eef de Ferrante, managing director of AIPIA added, “It is exciting to get back to running a live event, as we have all missed the person to person contact and live demonstrations. China really is one of the key markets for Smart Packaging technologies as they fit so well with the market’s needs.”
