Coffee cup with heat-activated digital content

Huhtamaki Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania has introduced Adtone, a single-use paper cup with digitalised connection, for use in smart device-centred promotional campaigns.

The cup comes with a heat-activated thermocromic label and a QR code with a programmed link to the customer’s website. The unique QR codes are controlled with special digital data management software, turning the coffee cup into truly smart packaging.

Consumers interact with a coffee cup for several minutes at a time and pay attention on what is printed on it. Thermosensitive printing keeps the code hidden until usage, safeguarding the promotional content for the customer until purchase of the beverage.

When a hot drink is poured into the Adtone cup, the heat activates the thermochromic printing on the label, revealing the unique QR code. By scanning the code with a mobile device, the customer can access the promotional website and the associated digital content.

The smart code management software ensures that each promotional code can only be used once and dynamically changes the digital content after use. The cups enable cafes and restaurants to run a variety of campaigns, from loyalty rewards to prize-winning promotions. It is also a tool for joint promotions and digitalised media content.

A video of the cup in action can be viewed below.