His particular attention to detail and an eye in making the non-conventional a thing of beauty has landed one of his photographs in this months Digital Photo magazine.
Well done Matt!
Is technology moving too fast for consumers?
Brands and retailers are increasingly using QR codes on product packaging and other mediums with the intention to connect and engage with their consumers through quicker and better access to information, deals and other innovative uses. It appears to be all the rage in marketing and communications campaigns.
But only 36% of consumers understand what QR codes do with only 11% ever having used one, according to research carried out by Simpson Carpenter.
Most products come with instructions, even for the most simplest of items but QR codes are being added without educating the consumer on its purpose or how to access it. QR codes are a great call to action and it would be a shame if consumers do not crack it. As with all change, the more information available the more accepting the user. So adding more information alongside the code may at first take away the designs simplicity but being understood and adopted by consumers outweighs it.
Cardboard bottles – would consumers buy it?
Ecologic Brands will be launching a bottle made out of cardboard in January next year. The outside is made from 100% recycled cardboard and the liquid inside will be contained in a recyclable plastic pouch.
Packaging is a constant source of public debate and it is not generally recognised that businesses have been very busy in areas of designing more effective packaging and minimising environmental impact. Businesses have also achieved significant results in packaging recovery and recycling, spending over £1.5 billion in the last 10 years.
Packaging is needed to protect products and give them a longer shelf life thus reducing waste and without it our supermarket shelves would look completely different.
An interesting fact from the Advisory Committee on Packaging is that ‘of the total energy used in the food chain, 50% is used in food production, 10% on transport to the shops and retailing, 10% to make the packaging and the remaining 30% is used by shoppers to drive to the shops and store and cook food.’
Making recyclable cardboard into effective packaging and a replacement of plastic is one example of business investment and innovation. What has taken the development long was making the bottle appealing for brands, being able to apply their brand identity without alienating their consumers. It would be interesting to know consumers reactions if these bottles weren’t made to be as attractive as their plastic counterparts.
http://www.fastcodesign.com/1664838/four-years-in-the-making-a-tough-cardboard-jug-for-laundry-soap
The first virtual ‘shopping wall’ in the UK
This week Ocado will be opening a ‘shopping wall’ in London where shoppers can purchase their products by scanning barcodes with their mobiles. Tesco had recently done something similar in a South Korean subway.
It appears to be something from the future…and as retailers are debating whether to invest in the new digital channels now available or in the physical store environment, all eyes will be watching to see if shoppers respond positively.
http://www.thegrocer.co.uk//Articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=220541&utm_medium=email&utm_source=thegrocer.co.uk&utm_campaign=Daily+24%2f8%2f11&dm_i=F7C,ILE1,38NR1O,1ID4Q,1
Efficient use of packaging
Here is an example of how packaging can reduce waste and encourage recycling.
It also solves the annoyance of having to put the lid back on your toothpaste tube every time or like most people, leave it off and end up with dry toothpaste.
Consumers watching their pennies
Research reported in The Grocer (9 August) indicates that 51% of shoppers check the price of every single item they put in their shopping basket. Sainsbury’s reported its shoppers have been buying one item less per basket in a basket of already low priced items. As Dr Clive Black in The Grocer (6 Aug), states ‘that is a clear sign of shopper distress’.
What is important is the food item being selected. To save money, shoppers are buying meal deals instead of eating out. Retailers concentrating more on providing special food experiences such as sharing meals at home with friends will cash in on those looking for quality meals for an affordable price.
Consumers want a better instore experience
Research conducted by Arc UK reports over half of UK consumers rate their experiences in physical stores as better than online.
News headlines increasingly report about the worrying state of the high street with shops closing down such as Thorntons and Carpetright, but this research offers a glimmer of hope for retailers.
Consumers want more from their retailers. Going in-store allows a consumer to touch, smell and feel a product and crucially interact with the retail environment. Consumers want to be entertained and engaged, to learn, share ideas and experiences. By placing the consumer at the heart of business, creating compelling and unique experiences, a shop will be a place consumers want to go to.
An easy way to open a bottle
Ever had a beer in your hands and no way of opening it (apart from your teeth)? Here is a brilliant solution.
Frosty Jacks – moving on up
Congratulations to one of our clients, Frosty Jacks who are one of the top 10 fastest growers in the drinks business as reported in the Grocer Magazine, 16 July.
Carling using aluminum instead of glass bottles
Molson Coors is changing from glass to aluminium bottles for three of its biggest brands to reinvigorate the beer category. This innovative bottle was launched in June by Press 81, a new contender in the cider market.
Using aluminum is innovative in the category, offering a different proposition to consumers. It is light, recyclable and keeps the liquid chilled.
http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/carling-to-drop-glass-in-metal-bottle-move-with-gallery