Varcode and National Packaging Group partner on smart packaging for temperature-sensitive products

Varcode, developer of digital collection, recording, tracing and reporting solutions, and National Packaging Group (NPG), a domestic manufacturer of corrugated packaging products, are partnering to develop, manufacture, market and distribute smart packaging solutions for distributing temperature-sensitive products.

Under the agreement, New York-based NPG will integrate Varcode’s patented Smart Tag technology with its state-of-the-art manufacturing businesses, creating a single source for digitally enabled packaging solutions capable of improving cold chain for food and pharma products, brand reputations and consumer  experiences, while minimizing product waste and improving margins. The agreement also calls for the two companies to jointly coordinate sales of the technologically enhanced packaging products.

Varcode’s technology will empower NPG corrugated products to digitally track, analyze, and report cumulative temperature excursions, producing a cost-effective, permanent digital record. The Varcode Smart Data Solution includes temperature-sensitive Smart Tags, a scanning suite to scan the tags and a management system where data is permanently stored for customization and information analysis. The Smart Tag temperature indicator labels record and report if the shipment experienced temperature abuse and the cumulative time of those variances. The solution also features binary indicators for minimum and maximum temperature as well as temperature ranges, all of which are digitalized with a simple scan.

“In recent years, innovation in manufacturing, technology and product development has been the cornerstone of our business strategy,” said Dennis Mehiel, chairman & CEO of NPG. “Varcode’s comprehensive offering of Smart Tags, Scanning Suite and Management Suite technologies, combined with NPG’s advanced design and manufacturing capabilities, will enable our business-to-business and direct-to-consumer customers to significantly improve their overall operations, reduce waste and increase revenues.”

NPG and Varcode will begin their partnership with the development and launch of two new product categories: Corrugated SMART Cases for wholesale products stored and transported in temperature-controlled environments, including perishable food and drug products: and SMART Packaging Kits for online groceries, meal kits, and pharmaceuticals delivered directly to consumers or point of care facilities in packaging conditions requiring insulation and coolant within the corrugated packaging.