What are QR codes used for on packaging?

Typical Objectives

• Complete product information that doesn't fit on the packaging
• Multilingual user manuals
• Spare parts and accessories
• Reordering
• Disposal and material information
• Authenticity verification

Why dynamic

A packaging unit is in circulation for one to several years. During this time, instructions, contact persons and website structures change. A static code then leads to dead ends – on printed products that cannot be recalled.

Design considerations

• Adequate size. On curved surfaces, more than the rule of thumb suggests.
• Matte instead of glossy. Reflection makes the code unreadable in stores.
• Not on the edge. The code must be flat and scannable.
• Short adjacent note. "Instructions and spare parts" significantly increases scan rates – a code without explanation is rarely scanned.

Frequently forgotten aspects

The target page must work on a smartphone. Someone scanning in a store has a small display and a mobile connection. A 40 MB PDF instruction manual will not be opened.

Legal aspects

For certain products, law requires specific information to be physically present on packaging. A QR code can supplement but not replace these requirements where physical marking is mandated.

Before replacing mandatory information with a code, this should be checked.