io.tt and Zappar platform integration aims to scale accessible packaging for brands

io.tt, a connected products platform born out of the SharpEnd creative studio, and Zappar, creators of Zapvision and accessible QR (AQR) technology, have announced a partnership that aims to accelerate the roll-out of inclusive, connected products and packaging experiences for global brands.

Accessible QR codes from Zappar build on the global GS1 Digital Link standard, boosting ordinary QR codes with a small “dot-dot-dash” corner pattern that makes them detectable from greater distances while unlocking structured, accessible product information such as ingredients, allergens and usage instructions through accessibility apps including Be My Eyes, Microsoft Seeing AI, and Envision.

The same code remains fully functional for sighted consumers, who can scan it in the traditional way with their smartphone camera to launch a connected web experience delivered via io.tt. Combined with io.tt’s Connected Experiences Platform, AQRs make it possible for brands to deliver inclusive, compliant and scalable digital experiences across SKUs, markets and languages, those involved claim.

“Accessibility and connected products should go hand in hand,” says Cameron Worth, Founder and CEO, io.tt. “Our partnership with Zappar means brands can now create a genuinely inclusive connected journey - from the physical pack all the way through to the digital experience. It’s about making sure every consumer has equal access and doing it at the same enterprise scale we deliver for our clients across the world.”

“Access to product information should be a basic human right,” says Max Dawes, COO at Zappar. “By connecting Zapvision’s Accessible QR technology with io.tt’s powerful connected product platform, we’re helping brands make inclusion a built in part of their connected packaging strategy - simply, globally, and at scale.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Inclusive retail was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

VoCoVo, Everseen, Sensei, Gander, Iceland, Olio, Trust Retail, East of England Co-op, Lekkerland SE, Poq, Mamas & Papas, Varner, Sitoo, and Zebra Technologies were among our winners this year.

We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.

For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.