Huhtamaki unveils Adtone cup with digital content delivered through thermochromic label

Huhtamaki Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania has developed Adtone, a single-use paper cup that features a thermochromic label and a QR code to deliver a unique digitalized connection between companies and customers.

When a hot drink is poured into the Adtone cup, the heat activates the thermochromic printing on the label, revealing the unique QR code

The Adtone cup features a heat activated thermochromic label and a QR code programed with a link to the company's website. When a hot drink is poured into the Adtone cup, the heat activates the thermochromic printing on the label, revealing the unique QR code. Thermosensitive printing keeps the code hidden until usage, safeguarding the promotional content for the customer until purchase of the beverage. By scanning the code with a mobile device, the customer can access a promotional website and the associated digital content.

The unique and dynamic QR codes are controlled with special digital data management software turning the coffee cup into smart packaging. The smart code management software ensures that each promotion code can only be used once and dynamically changes the digital content after use.

Huhtamaki said the new digitalized connection makes the single-use paper cup ‘perfect’ for smart device centered promotional campaigns as consumers interact with a coffee cup for several minutes at a time and pay attention to what is printed on it. Using Adtone, cafes and restaurants can run a variety of campaigns from loyalty rewards to prize winning promotions.