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Summary:
The original function of packaging was to protect the product. Today, however, packages have to meet increasingly rigorous requirements. This is especially true of consumer packaging, where one of the main purposes of the package is to market and sell the product. Because of this, packaging is nowadays an integral part of the trademark. Moreover, due to the requirements of the authorities and consumers, packages need to contain precise product and safety information. In the future, packages will become an increasingly important medium of communication. Manufacturers will also want to trace their products more accurately and pack shorter series (or smaller quantities) for different user groups, language areas, etc. The number of packages will increase in information societies. Future packages will thus be much more multifunctional, informative and demand-driven than they at present. This is why packaging industry companies are interested in all R&D activities that pave the way for future ways of doing business. VTT Information Technology has launched a project to develop a comprehensive system for new kinds of package production chain. The system pays attention to the special needs of consumer packages with regard to product information, identification and appearance. Our project is being carried out under a larger VTT-driven theme, the main purpose of which is to develop and integrate Active, Communicative Packaging with an effective logistical system for sensitive, demanding products. Intelligent coding, RFID and data networks are the technologies applied. In this paper we present different aspects of our packaging research regarding the communication needs of consumer packages and especially the utilisation and potential of digital printing.