The world of smart packaging is evolving rapidly. As a specialist in pharmaceutical packaging, De Budelse closely monitors emerging technologies and innovations. In collaboration with the Pelviz platform, the company has developed innovative smart packaging solutions for medical devices. According to Managing Director Hans Geurtjens, the time is right to take the next step. 'The digital product passport is a logical successor to the traditional paper package insert,' he says. 'The technology and opportunities are all in place to take smart packaging to the next level. At the same time, there is still a sense that the market is not quite ready to fully embrace it.'
Smart packaging comes in many forms. Think of QR codes, NFC technology or RFID chips that can store and share information. De Budelse has gained experience with all of these technologies. 'You can make packaging as smart as you want,' Hans explains. 'Choose a unique QR code, use NFC in combination with electronically conductive ink and a chip, or have an RFID chip read remotely. We have the expertise in these new technologies in-house and can apply them immediately. The real strength lies not only in the technology itself, but above all in its application. Smart packaging makes it possible to give users instant access to personalized information using their mobile phone.'
In January 2026, De Budelse exhibited for the third time at PharmaPack Paris, a leading trade fair dedicated to pharmaceutical packaging. 'At our stand, we put the digital product passport in the spotlight,' says Hans. 'It was remarkable how much attention this new application attracted. To me, that proves there is a need for this innovative solution. I believe that, as an industry, we should seize this opportunity together.'
The digital product passport is one of the most important developments in smart packaging. It is the successor to the traditional printed package leaflet. It is often bulky, difficult to read because of its small font size, and therefore poorly read.
'Personalized digital information is much better suited to the patient than a physical package leaflet,' Hans explains. 'Why give everyone the same leaflet when you can provide information that is specifically important to that individual? With a simple scan or by making contact with the packaging, users can instantly see the information that matters most to them. This is especially useful if they are taking other medications as well.'
The latest developments in smart packaging are highly promising. Even so, pharmaceutical companies remain cautious. The industry often sees change as risky because of strict regulations and legislation.
'Sometimes even a small change takes years to implement,' Hans continues. 'For that reason, many companies choose the safe route. I noticed the same hesitation at PharmaPack. Our presentation of the digital product passport attracted a great deal of interest, but there is still little follow-up. In my opinion, that is a missed opportunity.'
According to Hans, it is only a matter of time before smart packaging becomes widely adopted in the pharmaceutical industry. In his view, the advantages are simply too significant to ignore. Think of benefits such as better information, less medication waste and greater patient safety.
'A digital product passport is coming,' he says confidently. 'Together with our partners, we already have the required technology. Now it is simply a matter of daring to apply it. With initiatives such as Pelviz, De Budelse shows that we are ready for the future of smart packaging. That future starts tomorrow, but it is already available today.'
