PRR–Packaging of the Future

In 2024, the Embalagem do Futuro project advanced through the coordinated work of three groups: Codification, Sensoring, and Futuring. Codification developed hybrid graphical codes combining public and encrypted private data, enabling offline access by authorized users. Sensoring created a miniaturized, autonomous sensing device with environmental monitoring and wireless communication. Futuring focused on scalable fabrication of stretchable electronics and battery-free sensor systems powered by inductive coupling. Together, these developments pave the way for smarter, more sustainable, and fully integrated packaging solutions.Codification Over the past year, the group focused on adapting advanced graphical codes to the constraints imposed by smart packaging. It was established that the packaging must contain codes compatible with conventional readers, while also enabling authorized users to retrieve the necessary information to unlock encrypted sensor data. The developed solution integrates both public and private data into a single code. During the shipping phase (first mile), a label is applied to the packaging containing two levels of information, with the private part comprising access keys to the sensors embedded in the packaging, as illustrated in Figure 1. Upon reception (last mile), if internet access for authentication is unavailable, the user can rely on a dedicated application capable of reading the private part of the code and locally retrieving the necessary credentials, as shown in Figure 2.One of the key innovations introduced is the ability to access encrypted information entirely offline, restricted only to authorized users — a new paradigm in physical environments with limited connectivity. The solution maintains compatibility with conventional readers for accessing public information, while fully concealing the private data. This hybrid approach allows for a smooth transition to industry adoption and minimizes the need for changes in existing processes.