Episode 22 - Beyond the Pack: Where Sustainability Meets the Connected Consumer

Packaging is part of our everyday lives, yet it is one of the most underestimated elements in how brands connect with consumers.

In this episode of CoCo – Click. Consume. Connect. – The Connected Consumers Podcast, we explore how packaging is evolving far beyond its traditional role as a functional container or branding surface. It is becoming a system where design, sustainability, circular economy thinking, and consumer engagement intersect.

Our guest, Uwe Melichar, is a leading voice in European packaging and brand design, with extensive experience working with global brands, contributing to design leadership platforms such as Red Dot, and shaping the conversation around sustainable packaging and innovation.

Together, we discuss how packaging is being redefined in the context of modern consumer expectations, where sustainability is no longer optional and design decisions carry both environmental and emotional impact. We explore the tension between creativity and responsibility, the gap between circular economy ambition and real-world execution, and how innovation in packaging design is influencing brand experience.

The conversation also looks at the emerging role of packaging in connected consumer ecosystems, and how digital layers are beginning to transform physical products into interaction points between brands and consumers.

This episode challenges the idea of packaging as “just packaging” and reframes it as a strategic interface at the center of brand communication, sustainability, and consumer engagement.

In this episode of CoCo – click.consume.connect, Güneri Tugcu and Stefan Hilss are joined by Andreas Schneider, founder of the Global Textile Scheme, for a strategic conversation on one of the most significant transformation efforts in the fashion industry: the shift toward connected products powered by structured, interoperable data.

While the Digital Product Passport (DPP) is often framed as a regulatory requirement, this discussion makes it clear that its true impact goes far beyond compliance. DPP represents the foundation of a new digital backbone for fashion—one that will redefine how products are created, managed, and experienced across the entire value chain.

Andreas shares a candid view on the current state of fashion technology, highlighting the industry’s continued reliance on fragmented systems, manual processes, and inconsistent data. Despite years of innovation, many organizations still struggle with disconnected infrastructures that limit scalability, transparency, and efficiency.

At the heart of the episode lies a critical insight: the real challenge is not the lack of data, but the lack of interoperability. Without standardized, shared data models, the industry cannot unlock the full potential of traceability, automation, or circularity. Initiatives like the Global Textile Scheme aim to address this gap by enabling a common language for product data across global supply chains.

The conversation explores how DPP can act as a powerful enabler for new business value. From enhancing supply chain visibility to unlocking advanced data science, AI-driven insights, and more meaningful consumer engagement, the opportunity is substantial. At the same time, the discussion acknowledges the complexity of implementation, particularly in an industry shaped by global fragmentation and varying levels of digital maturity.

A key takeaway is that data is rapidly becoming a strategic asset. Organizations that invest in data quality, governance, and interoperability today will be better positioned to compete in a future where digital product intelligence drives decision-making, innovation, and growth.

This episode offers a clear, leadership-level perspective on why DPP is not just another initiative, but a defining moment for fashion. A must-listen for anyone involved in digital transformation, connected products, and the future of retail.

In this milestone 20th episode of CoCo: click. consume. connect., we explore how one of the world’s oldest print companies is reinventing itself for the digital age. Sandra Wagner, CEO of Koenig & Bauer Kyana, joins us to share how the launch of AURAVEO is turning a traditional printing giant into a digital-first, connected experience leader.

We dive into:

• The journey from heritage and tradition to innovation

• How connected products and phyigital experiences are transforming apparel, retail, CPG, and industrial B2B sectors

• The power of data, AI, and cloud platforms in driving business insights and consumer engagement

• Lessons from building a new business unit inside a legacy company

• The role of strategic partnerships with Google Cloud and Deloitte in accelerating digital transformation

• Emerging trends, legislative developments like the Digital Product Passport (DPP), and the future of connected consumers

Whether you’re a brand leader, innovator, or simply curious about the intersection of heritage and technology, this episode gives a front-row seat to the future of connected products and digital-first strategies.

Tune in and discover how legacy giants can embrace disruption, leverage data, and create meaningful, connected experiences for consumers worldwide.

Looking Back to Move Forward: From Industry Questions to Collective Direction

As the year comes to a close, CoCo takes a step back.

In this special end-of-year fireside episode, we reflect on the conversations, questions, and patterns that defined the past year across brands, retailers, and the wider ecosystem. Rather than predictions or hype, this episode focuses on sense-making — what we collectively learned, where real progress happened, and how a clearer direction is starting to emerge.

Joined by Camilla Young from GS1 UK, we explore recurring industry questions around trust, data, standards, and collaboration, and discuss how these conversations have evolved from uncertainty to more practical, system-level thinking. The discussion highlights quiet but meaningful shifts, the importance of shared language, and why collective direction matters more than isolated solutions.

This episode is designed as an open, reflective conversation — a moment to pause, connect the dots, and look ahead with intention as we prepare for a transformative year ahead.

Perfect listening for anyone interested in connected commerce, standards, digital product identities, and the human side of industry transformation.

In this episode of CoCo: click. consume. connect., we sit down with Dieter Horst, Head of Industrial Identification at Siemens Digital Industries, who is widely known and recognized across the industry as “Mr. RFID”, to explore the evolving world of RFID, smart tags, and connected products.

Dieter shares how these technologies are transforming supply chains, strengthening brand integrity, and enabling meaningful experiences for connected consumers across apparel, retail, CPG, and industrial production. The conversation highlights the growing importance of data as a strategic asset, the implications of upcoming regulations such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP), and how AI and advanced analytics are shaping the future of traceability, compliance, and marketing.

Whether you are new to RFID or deeply involved in connected product strategies, this episode offers an accessible yet in-depth discussion on how physical products are becoming intelligent data carriers and how brands and manufacturers can turn regulatory and operational challenges into long-term value.

Episode 17 — Click. Measure. Connect: Why the Future Demands Better Data

Guest: Martin Radford, Solutions Director UK at AudienceProject

In today’s fragmented media landscape, every click, view, and impression seems measurable — but does that really mean we’re getting the insights that matter?

In this episode, we’re joined by Martin Radford, Solutions Director UK at AudienceProject, to explore the shift from more data to better data. We dive into why cross-media measurement is essential for brands across apparel, retail, CPG, and even B2B industries, and how smarter insights can unlock stronger consumer connections.

Together, we unpack:

• ​Why traditional measurement models fall short in a connected world.
• ​How upcoming regulations like the Digital Product Passport (DPP) will reshape how businesses collect and use data.
• ​The role of AI and data science in turning raw information into meaningful consumer engagement.
• ​Real-world challenges and opportunities for marketers, from campaign evaluation to building trust with consumers.

Whether you’re a marketer, innovator, or simply curious about how data shapes the way we connect, this conversation is a must-listen.

Episode 16: Invisible Defenders – How Technology Guards the World’s Biggest Brands.

In this masterclass edition of CoCo: click. consume. connect., hosts Güneri Tugcu and Stefan Hilss sit down with Xavier Urbaneja, Head of Brand Protection at SICPA, to explore how cutting-edge technologies are redefining brand integrity in today’s global marketplace.

From classic 2D codes to advanced solutions such as RFID, NFC, and even TwinTags that merge physical and digital authentication, this episode unveils the hidden infrastructures that protect the world’s biggest brands from counterfeiting, grey markets, and parallel imports.

With industries like apparel, CPG, fashion, pharma, and industrial manufacturing facing growing threats and complex regulatory requirements, the conversation dives deep into:

• Brand integrity in the connected consumer era – why it matters now more than ever.

• Authentication technologies and how they scale across retail and B2B environments.

• Grey markets and parallel imports – the hidden challenges brands must tackle to safeguard consumer trust.

• The Digital Product Passport (DPP) – how upcoming EU legislation will reshape industries and potentially accelerate adoption of connected solutions.

• Artificial intelligence in brand protection – the role of AI in detecting threats, building transparency, and powering future consumer engagement.

• Case studies and real-life applications – from FMCG to high-end fashion, what works today and what’s coming next.

This approx. 60-minute conversation is designed not only for industry professionals in CPG, apparel, and industrial sectors, but also for innovators, policymakers, and curious consumers who want to understand how invisible technologies are shaping trust, transparency, and engagement in a connected world.

If you have ever wondered how brands protect themselves against counterfeits, why your favorite fashion label invests in authentication tags, or what legislation like the DPP means for the future of connected products, this episode is a must-listen.

In Episode 15 of CoCo – click. consume. connect. – the connected consumers podcast, we explore how immersive technologies are transforming consumer engagement, retail, packaging, and accessibility. Our guest is Martin Stahel, Sales Director at Zappar, a global leader in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR) solutions.

Martin shares insights from over a decade of working with global brands to turn physical products into interactive digital experiences. From connected packaging to inclusive AR applications, this episode takes a closer look at how immersive experiences are becoming integral to the connected consumer journey.

We discuss real-world examples of AR in action, the importance of accessibility in immersive content, and how wearables like Meta’s smart glasses are changing how consumers interact with brands. We also examine upcoming regulatory frameworks like the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and the growing significance of coding and marking in product serialization and traceability.

Whether you’re a marketer, brand strategist, innovation lead, or tech-savvy consumer, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the current state and future potential of immersive and connected product strategies.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Augmented and virtual reality in consumer engagement

• How AR is being used in packaging, retail, and CPG

• Accessibility and inclusive design in immersive technology

• The impact of connected packaging on shopper behavior

• Wearables and their role in the future of consumer interaction

• Impact of AI

• Digital Product Passport (DPP) and regulatory trends

Don’t miss this deep dive into the evolving world of connected consumers and immersive brand experiences.

CoCo Podcast – Episode 14: “The Traceability Masterclass: Cracking the Code with Craig Stobie”

In this episode of CoCo: Click. Consume. Connect., hosts Güneri Tugcu and Stefan Hilss sit down with Craig Stobie, Director of Global Strategic Sectors at Domino Printing Sciences, for a deep dive into the world of traceability, serialization, coding, marking, and digital printing.

With the rise of Project Sunrise, Digital Product Passports (DPP), and evolving global regulations, industries are facing a pivotal shift in how products are identified, tracked, and authenticated. Craig brings his extensive expertise to the conversation, unpacking the challenges, opportunities, and real-world applications of these technologies across pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, fashion, and consumer goods.

Key Topics Covered:

Introduction to Coding & Marking – Why it’s the invisible backbone of traceability.

Project Sunrise & DPP – How upcoming regulations will reshape industries.

Serialization & Connected Packaging – The bridge between supply chain transparency and consumer engagement.

Challenges & Solutions – Navigating compliance, counterfeiting, and sustainability.

The Future of Digital Printing & Smart Packaging – What brands should prepare for.

Whether you’re a brand leader, supply chain expert, or simply curious about the future of connected products, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts!

Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and leave a review to stay updated on the latest innovations in connected packaging and digital transformation.

In this special one-year anniversary episode of CoCo:Click.Consume.Connect., host Güneri Tugcu and co-host Stefan Hilss take a step back from their usual roles as interviewers and reflect on the incredible journey of the podcast so far. After a year of engaging with industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators, they turn the tables and share insights, experiences, and lessons learned throughout the first year of CoCo.

With many requests from listeners for this unique episode, Güneri and Stefan are joined by Stefan Casey, Head of Ecosystem at SharpEnd, as a special guest moderator. Stefan brings his expertise in digital transformation, connected packaging, and consumer engagement to lead the conversation. Together, they explore the growth of the podcast, the fascinating guests who’ve graced their virtual stage, and the future of connected consumer experiences.

This episode is a celebration of the valuable connections made and the exciting path ahead for the podcast, highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continued learning in the fast-evolving world of digital transformation.

Tune in for an insightful, fun, and reflective anniversary episode, packed with stories, surprises, and a look ahead to what’s next!