Nestlé SMA Nutrition has incorporated NaviLens technology across all its Infant Nutrition packaging, marking a significant first in the global category. This move aims to assist the more than two million people in the UK living with sight loss by providing greater independence in formula feeding, both in-store and at home.
The new packaging features scannable codes, similar to QR codes, that allow visually impaired parents and caregivers to easily access product information. When a smartphone detects the on-pack code from up to three meters away, it triggers an option to read aloud instructions, ingredients, allergen details, and recycling information in the user’s preferred language. This technology, accessible through the free NaviLens or NaviLens GO apps, provides vital support for those who might otherwise struggle with small print labels.
At home, the NaviLens app continues to assist by reading aloud preparation instructions and offering step-by-step guidance on formula measurement and preparation. The app’s ability to communicate in up to 37 languages further enhances accessibility, making it a valuable tool for non-native English speakers.
Vicky Woods, Managing Director of Nestlé Nutrition UK and Ireland, stated, “The addition of NaviLens to our packs is the first of its kind in the infant nutrition category. We hope this initiative will inspire other brands to make packaging more accessible.”
John Worsfold, Head of Solutions Innovation at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), highlighted the importance of such advancements: “Technology like NaviLens allows blind and partially sighted people to independently identify and access key information on packaging. We’re pleased to collaborate with SMA Nutrition to improve accessibility across the industry.”
SMA Nutrition’s integration of NaviLens technology represents a significant step towards inclusivity, enabling visually impaired parents to make informed decisions about their children’s nutrition with greater ease and independence.