Augmented Reality (AR) in Packaging Market Size is predicted to develop a 8.20% CAGR during the forecast period for 2025-2034.
Augmented Reality (AR) in packaging refers to the integration of digital content onto physical product packaging using AR technology. By scanning a QR code, image marker, or NFC tag on a product box with a smartphone or tablet, customers can view interactive features such as 3D animations, games, tutorials, or virtual characters superimposed on the packaging through their device screens. This technology allows brands to create immersive and emotionally engaging experiences, enhancing brand recall, customer engagement, and social media shareability. For example, Coca-Cola launched a limited-edition Coca-Cola 3000 Zero Sugar beverage in 2023 with packaging and flavor profiles by using AR technology. In order to enhance the digital experience, the cans included QR codes that, when scanned, directed consumers to a unique website that provided them with an overview of what life might be like in the year 3000 based on AI predictions. The goal of the campaign was to reaffirm the business's leadership in experimental marketing.
Augmented Reality (AR) technology has a wide range of applications, including virtual tours, augmented surgery, brand engagement, education, entertainment, and quality control. The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the versatility and value of AR, especially as retail businesses and consumers shifted toward online shopping, as noted in IBM's 2020 U.S. Retail Index study. With billions of smartphone users worldwide, most consumers already possess AR-capable devices, allowing brands to reach a broad audience without the need for additional hardware. This accessibility aligns with the growing demand among modern consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, for engaging and personalized brand interactions. AR offers memorable and dynamic experiences that enhance product perception, deepen customer loyalty, and drive brand differentiation. Moreover, rapid advancements in AR software, including markerless tracking and WebAR (browser-based AR), have made implementation more efficient and cost-effective, eliminating the need for complex apps and enabling smoother integration through simple tools like QR codes.
Competitive Landscape
Some of the Major Key Players in the Augmented Reality (AR) in Packaging Market are
- Technology Providers and AR Platforms
- Zappar
- Blippar
- Nextech AR Solutions
- UnifiedAR
- Blixx22 Interactive
- UniteAR
- Displai
- Kivisense
- Alibaba
- Alphabet (Google)
- Amazon
- Apple
- Meta
- Microsoft
- Snap
- Qualcomm
- Niantic
- ByteDance
- Magic Leap
- Tencent
- Augmently, Inc.
- ScanSource, Inc.
- io, Inc.
- Holition Ltd.
- Aurasma Ltd. (Hewlett-Packard)
- Packaging Manufacturers and Retailers
- Amcor
- Avery Dennison
- DS Smith
- Elopak
- Encirc
- Mondi
- Stora Enso
- Tetra Pak
- Verallia
- THIMM Group GmbH + Co. KG
- Brands Implementing AR
- Coca-Cola
- Nestlé
- L’Oréal
- Kraft
- Simmons
- Cadbury
- McDonald’s
- Pizza Hut
- White Castle
- Winerytale
- Bombay Sapphire
- Kellanova
- Bayer
- Jack Daniels
- Budweiser
- Mojokaii
Market Segmentation
The Augmented Reality (AR) in Packaging Market is segmented based on technology, application. Based on Technology, the market is segmented into applications (apps), head-mounted displays (HMDs), marker-based AR, markerless AR, and others. Based on the application, the market is divided into mobile & tablet devices, showroom, web, retail, and others.
The Marker-Based AR Segment is Expected to Have the Highest Growth Rate During the Forecast Period
Based on Technology, the market is segmented into applications (apps), head-mounted displays (HMDs), marker-based AR, markerless AR, and others. Among these, the marker-based AR segment is expected to have the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Marker-based Augmented Reality (AR) uses QR codes, logos, or image markers on packaging, offering a simple and cost-effective way to integrate digital content. Consumers can easily access AR experiences by scanning these markers with their smartphones, eliminating the need for specialized hardware. This ease of use and accessibility make marker-based AR a highly effective tool for enhancing customer engagement and interaction. It is widely used in marketing campaigns and supports a variety of applications, from promotional content and product tutorials to authentication features.
The Mobile & Tablet Devices Segment Dominates the Market
Based on the application, the market is divided into mobile & tablet devices, showroom, web, retail, and others. Among these, the mobile & tablet devices segment dominates the market. This ease of access makes mobile and tablet devices the most practical and widespread platform for delivering AR experiences. For brands, it eliminates the need to invest in expensive AR hardware, as they can easily deploy interactive campaigns through dedicated apps or browser-based AR (WebAR). The compatibility of mobile and tablet devices with WebAR further enhances user convenience by allowing AR interactions without the need to download separate applications, thereby reducing friction and encouraging broader consumer engagement.
North America Has the Largest Market Share During the Forecast Period.
The North America region, particularly the United States, holds the largest share of the augmented reality (AR) in the packaging market during the forecast period. North America, particularly the United States, leads the Augmented Reality (AR) in packaging market due to its strong technological foundation and innovation-driven ecosystem. The region is home to many leading AR developers, tech companies, and early adopters of immersive technologies. With high smartphone and tablet penetration, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, AR experiences are easily accessible to a broad consumer base. Major brands in the U.S. and Canada are increasingly integrating AR into packaging to boost marketing efforts, enhance customer engagement, and provide interactive product education. Additionally, substantial investment in AR/VR startups and established companies fuels the rapid development and deployment of advanced AR solutions across the region.
Recent Developments:
- In October 2024, Kellanova introduced a protein bar with packaging that uses augmented reality to draw potential customers. The goal of the augmented reality experience is to inspire customers.
- In Jan 2022, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. declared their partnership with Microsoft to broaden and quicken the use of augmented reality (AR) in the business and consumer sectors. Both businesses support the metaverse, and Qualcomm Technologies is collaborating with Microsoft on a number of projects to advance the ecosystem. These include creating specialized AR chips to power a new generation of lightweight, power-efficient AR glasses that provide rich, immersive experiences, as well as integrating programs like Microsoft Mesh and Snapdragon SpacesTM XR Developer Platform.
Augmented Reality (AR) in Packaging Market Report Scope
Report Attribute |
Specifications |
Growth Rate CAGR |
CAGR of 8.20 % from 2025 to 2034 |
Quantitative Units |
Representation of revenue in US$ Bn and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 |
Historic Year |
2021 to 2024 |
Forecast Year |
2025-2034 |
Report Coverage |
The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends |
Segments Covered |
By Technology, Application |
Regional Scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
Country Scope |
U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia; South Korea; South East Asia |
Competitive Landscape |
Zappar, Blippar, Nextech AR Solutions, UnifiedAR, Blixx22 Interactive, UniteAR, Displai, Kivisense, Alibaba, Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Snap, Qualcomm, Niantic, ByteDance, Magic Leap, Tencent, Augmently, Inc, ScanSource, Inc., Pristine.io, Inc. Holition Ltd, Aurasma Ltd. (Hewlett-Packard), Amcor, Avery Dennison, DS Smith, Elopak, Encirc, Mondi, Stora Enso, Tetra Pak, Verallia, THIMM Group GmbH + Co. KG, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, L’Oréal, Kraft, Simmons, Cadbury, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, White Castle, Winerytale, Bombay Sapphire, Kellanova, Bayer, Jack Daniels, Budweiser, Mojokaii |
Customization Scope |
Free customization report with the procurement of the report and modifications to the regional and segment scope. Particular Geographic competitive landscape. |
Pricing and Available Payment Methods |
Explore pricing alternatives that are customized to your particular study requirements. |