CS Labels, a UK-based digital label printer, will launch an Augmented Reality (AR) system at the Packaging Innovations Exhibition, February 26-27, 2014 at the NEC, Birmingham. The product is designed to increase sales and foster online customer engagement.

Using Smith Davis Press’ s ooh-AR app, CS Labels is offering a system based on creating a branded app for customers. It will feature the client’s own brand and be packed with information about a company and links to its website and social media. The app uses technology to recognize photographs and logos, on labels literature and other packaging, and trigger a world of interactive content.

The app is free to download by customers from Apples App Store or Google Play. By scanning a photo or logo it can bring a bottle, package or any other label to life by triggering videos or presentations. Anyone who has downloaded the app can then use interactive buttons on their touch screen to find out more, give feedback and even make purchases… all triggered by a simple label.

CS Labels managing director, Simon Smith, says, “After a year in development and testing by ourselves and working with ooh-AR I am delighted to launch this product. AR is a fantastic and cost-effective way of linking a normal digital label to a completely interactive experience for the customer.”

“By pointing a device at the packaging, clients are transported to a world of content to immediately find out more about the product they have purchased, even before they purchase it. This could be in the form of a web page, an entertaining video or even a live 3D avatar.  You can prompt customers for product feedback, encourage them join forums, surf the net and even request a quote or buy products and services all from their device – whatever you choose, all without any compromise on the look of your product. You can also collect analytical user data or opt-in details if the customer provides it.”

John Mollart, marketing manager at app developer, Smith Davis Press, adds, “We are delighted to be working with CS Labels on this product. Their knowledge of high quality digital printing and understanding how to make a brand stand out using digital technology was the perfect match for our AR solution. AR is ideal for clients in FMCG who want to increase sales, it can be integrated into new or existing labels and packaging. Everyone is talking about this technology, which is an exciting future for all communications.”