Augmented Reality (AR) in Packaging – Thematic Research

The global augmented reality (AR) market was worth $7 billion in 2020. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 35% during the forecast period. Augmented reality is a technology that allows the user to see the real world overlaid with digital data. From aerospace to consumer goods, various industries use AR technology. Several packaging companies and retailers have adopted AR in packaging to raise awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues by integrating QR codes into products’ outer packaging.

What are the value chains of AR in the packaging industry?

The value chains of AR in the packaging industry are semiconductors, components, devices, platforms, and apps and content.

Semiconductors

Semiconductors are one of the key battlegrounds in AR today. Chipmakers are now striving to improve their existing capabilities to suit the evolving requirements of AR, mostly around screen resolution, frame rates, processing speed, and connectivity.

Components

Much of the major action in AR components is around 3D sensors, cameras, audio, displays, and batteries. These components come together for positional tracking, motion tracking, gesture recognition, and machine vision.

Devices

AR-enabling hardware comes in various forms, including smartphones, eyewear, and AR headsets. For consumer AR applications, smartphones are the most used platform, while enterprises typically prefer AR headsets and AR smart glasses, which offer a broader range of functions.

Platforms

Building an AR ecosystem by incorporating both hardware and software is essential for the long-term success of any company in the AR market. The five prerequisites for a successful AR ecosystem are Application programming interfaces (APIs) and SDKs, AR engines – games, AR engines – enterprise, AI, and application delivery networks (ADNs) and content delivery networks (CDNs).

Apps & Content

Content is a major area of concern for AR companies. Enterprises are an increasingly important area of focus for AR companies. Media houses and ecommerce companies have been early adopters of AR, while the technology is also used by healthcare, engineering, and military organizations. Microsoft, PTC, Deloitte, McKinsey, and Accenture are investing in AR development platforms to support firms through the AR implementation process.

Who are the key AR adopters in the packaging industry?

The key AR adopters in the packaging industry are Amcor, Avery Dennison, DS Smith, Elopak, Encirc, Mondi, Stora Enso, Tetra Pak, and Verallia.

Amcor

The company launched its Amor Eyes application in 2019 as a pilot application. The app allows remote engineers to interact with its clients via video chat. During calls using Amcor Eyes, the engineer can see what the customer sees and help them set up machines, troubleshoot, or discuss material trials. The engineers’ hands will appear on the customer’s screen to guide them on what to do by pointing, drawing on the screen, and adopting virtual tools (e.g., a virtual screwdriver).

Avery Dennison

The company has used AR to support remote assistance from its customer service team. The company tested out this concept before implementation by having one of its factories use wearable tech and AR so that workers could see instructions, take and upload images to the company’s ERP system, and get help from remote experts. Avery Dennison has since rolled out this tech across the company.

DS Smith

The company developed an AR application in 2017 for automotive companies to provide support with assembling bespoke packaging. The app requires users to point their device at the marker-less packaging via the app, which then displays animations and instructions on how to assemble and pack the goods.

Who are the leading augmented reality vendors in the packaging industry?

The leading AR vendors in the packaging industry are Alibaba, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Magic Leap, Meta, Microsoft, Niantic, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, Snap, and Tencent.

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Market Report Scope

Reasons to Buy

• Position yourself for success by understanding the ways in which AR can help to solve the major challenges for the packaging industry such as ESG, COVID-19, digitalization, quality control, and the rise of ecommerce.
• Identify the leading, and specialist vendors of AR technologies for the packaging industry. Discover what each vendor offers, and who some of their existing clients are.
• Quickly identify attractive investment targets in the packaging industry by understanding which companies are most likely to be winners in the future based on our thematic scorecard.
• Gain a competitive advantage in the packaging industry over your competitors by understanding the potential of AR technologies in the future.

Reasons to Buy

• Position yourself for success by understanding the ways in which AR can help to solve the major challenges for the packaging industry such as ESG, COVID-19, digitalization, quality control, and the rise of ecommerce.
• Identify the leading, and specialist vendors of AR technologies for the packaging industry. Discover what each vendor offers, and who some of their existing clients are.
• Quickly identify attractive investment targets in the packaging industry by understanding which companies are most likely to be winners in the future based on our thematic scorecard.
• Gain a competitive advantage in the packaging industry over your competitors by understanding the potential of AR technologies in the future.