The Rise of NFC Labels: Smart Packaging for 2025

With a simple tap of their phones, customers can open the door to a richer experience, delving into the inspiring story of your brand’s founders, taking a virtual stroll through the brewery, or fields where your ingredients are grown, and uncovering expert pairings, recipes or instructions.

Let’s explore how NFC packaging is redefining the way customers engage with brands in 2025.

From shelf appeal to digital connection

For decades, packaging has been about standing out visually. Today, it is also about standing out digitally. Using smart retail packaging and NFC technology, a simple tap on a smartphone creates a whole new level of connection between your brand and the customer. It is packaging that works harder, carrying on the conversation long after a purchase has been made.

Why 2025 is the year of NFC labels

Several forces are driving the rise of NFC in packaging:

So why is 2025 the breakthrough year for NFC packaging? Because of the market trends unfolding today:

• Consumer demand for authenticity: Counterfeits are still a huge problem worldwide, and customers want proof that what they’re buying is the real thing. NFC labels make that reassurance instant. For example, in partnership with Sneaker Con, eBay has added NFC-enabled tags to verify collectable sneakers, giving buyers confidence and making resales easier. 
• Sustainability pressures: Brands are also under pressure to cut waste and reduce unnecessary packaging. By embedding NFC, bulky printed instructions and marketing leaflets can be replaced with digital content, keeping packaging lighter and more eco-friendly while still providing all the information a customer needs.
• Shift to connected retail: Shopping no longer happens in neat online or offline boxes. It flows between the two. NFC labels turn packaging into a 24/7 touchpoint, creating a constant connection. Malibu showed how effective this can be by embedding NFC tags in shrink-sleeve labels that let users access drink recipes, enter instant-win contests, or even get venue recommendations based on local weather, turning a bottle into a playful experience.
• Data-driven marketing: Each interaction with an NFC label also provides valuable insight. Brands can now see how, when, and where customers are engaging, then use that data to fine-tune campaigns and deliver more relevant offers. 

These trends prove NFC is no longer a futuristic concept but instead a practical tool for competitive advantage.

Benefits for consumers

For shoppers, NFC smart packaging delivers real value to everyday purchases:

• Instant reassurance that what they’re buying is authentic and safe
• Easy access to instructions, recipes, or tutorials
• Connection through loyalty schemes, personalised offers and direct brand engagement
• Transparent information on sustainability and sourcing

These benefits remove barriers to trust and make every product feel more personal.

Industries leading the charge

In 2025, NFC technology isn’t limited to one niche. It’s being embraced across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Luxury goods: adding an extra layer of exclusivity and authenticity
• Food and drink: sharing provenance details, allergens and even recipe inspiration
• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals: ensuring safety and compliance information is always accessible
• Cosmetics and personal care: unlocking tutorials, ingredient breakdowns and loyalty rewards

These industries show just how versatile NFC can be, flexing to meet different market needs while turning packaging into something memorable.

Partnering with a specialist

At Premier Labels, we create packaging that works harder. As an experienced NFC label and tag manufacturer, we combine technical expertise with creative finishes to deliver solutions that elevate both your brand and customer experience. Whether you want packaging that tells your sustainability story or labels that secure your products against counterfeits, our consultancy-led approach ensures your investment delivers results. 

Get in touch to elevate your brand experience with NFC packaging.