The Dove Canada brand of personal care products is launching packaging with a novel feature: a smart label that alerts consumers when shower water reaches excessive temperature. This initiative is based on the simple observation that water that is too hot alters the cutaneous barrier and accentuates skin dryness. The integration of a thermal sensor in the packaging of Deep Moisture body cleanser illustrates a growing trend towards interactive and informative packaging.
A heat-sensitive label for enhanced interaction
The key element of this Unilever innovation is the use of a thermochromic ink that reacts to heat. When the water reaches 41°C, the label displays the message "very hot" to alert the user. This type of technology, already used in the pharmaceutical and food industries to indicate temperature variations, finds here a new application in the cosmetics and body care sector. This new bottle is only available through an e-commerce site.
Impacts on production and packaging materials
Integrating this technology into a 100% recycled plastic bottle raises a number of challenges for packaging manufacturers. The application of heat-sensitive ink must be compatible with screen or flexographic printing processes, while ensuring optimum resistance to storage and transport conditions. In addition, the production of such packaging must remain economically viable for large-scale distribution.
