Zappar and Envision tie up helps blind and partially sighted people more easily access product packaging information

Zappar has announced the integration of accessible QR codes (AQR) into the Envision app.

Currently on Unilever Persil packs across the UK, this technology helps blind and partially sighted communities more easily access product information from packaging both in a store and at home.

Zappar’s solution, Zapvision, incorporates a unique D3 ‘dot-dot-dash’ pattern (patent pending) around a traditional QR code.

This pattern increases the scanning distance of a standard QR printed at 15mm on pack by 7x to announce the product category, and 4x for detailed information related to the product.

“We are thrilled to partner with Envision to bring our accessible QR codes (AQR) to an even wider audience," says Caspar Thykier, CEO at Zappar.

"This collaboration is at the core of our mission to bring greater accessibility to product information on packaging for those who are blind or partially sighted while utilising the apps they are most comfortable with and already use in their daily lives.”

“This is just the start of the journey, but is another important step in making product information on packaging more equitable, to everyone, everywhere."

To access the functionality within the Envision app, users can navigate to the ‘Scan Accessible QR’ button from the app’s main menu and scan the AQR codes on the front of selected Unilever products.

They then hear an audio narration of all the information available on the packaging in a structured and accurate way. 

Karthik Mahadevan, CEO at Envision, comments: “We are delighted to add the accessible QR scanner to our app and to give our users more options on how to access product information on their terms. We hope that consumer goods companies the world over adopt this new standard of accessibility.”