FAQ
What is SmartFacts®?
SmartFacts® is a trans-Tasman digital labelling program led by Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and GS1 Australia, and support in New Zealand by the New Zealand food and Grocery Council and GS1 New Zealand aimed at transforming product labelling through digital technology.
What is digital labelling?
Digital labelling is the ability for a consumer to access a wealth of brand-managed digital assets (including but not limited to, product label content) by scanning a QR code (using GS1 industry standards) on-pack to drive consumer engagement, support purchasing decisions and build brands. In the context of this initiative, it involves harmonised implementation of a consistent digital labelling consumer experience, leading to better consumer awareness and utilisation, and in the future, scanning these GS1 powered QR codes at Point of Sale.
Why has industry taken on this program?
Food and Grocery suppliers have been using QR codes on-pack to connect consumers to product information online and to digital experiences, but everyone is doing it in their own way. This leads to different consumer experiences and different information being available to consumers. SmartFacts® aims to harmonise our QR codes using GS1 standards as well as the way consumers engage and access product information via Digital Labels – increasing trust and usage.
The benefits to consumers
- Easily find the information they need on the products they want.
- Access additional information about the products than what is available on the label.
The benefits to brands
- Increase transparency and trust with consumers.
- Increase digital engagement.
- Decrease the costs of packaging and re-labelling.
The benefits to retailers
- Access available information from QR codes to improve operations.
- Better manage inventory and decrease waste.
The benefit to the industry
- Establish a foundation for digital transformation.
- Remain aligned with international regulatory developments.
- Increase productivity.