I love start-ups, and I love Irish start-ups and over the last 10 years one of my key focus’ on Goosed has been finding the best and brightest of the start-up community and I think we have unearthed another gem. Anyone who has followed the Goosed Podcast knows that one of the things I love is finding who is at the cutting edge of Irish technology and I reckon SeeGap might just be the latest to add to our ever growing list of companies who Got Goosed.
Remember QR codes becoming relevant? Kinda seemed to happen during Covid for restaurant menu’s but they do so much more! Today we live in a world where QR codes have gone from being a novelty to a necessity, and the Irish Founded company SeeGap is taking things up a notch. You might not have heard of them yet, you might never really hear of them directly, but if you’re someone who cares about where your products come from, what’s in them, and how brands engage with you, then SeeGap something worth paying attention to.
The Seegap Journey: Innovating the Future of Product Engagement
SeeGap was founded with a simple yet ambitious goal: to change how consumers and businesses interact with product packaging. Recognizing the growing need for transparency, traceability, and digital connectivity, the company set out to bridge the gap between the physical and digital retail world. Ok let me break down a story, Remember Mars Delight? Remember when they gotten taken of the shelf? Because I sure do, and there was nowhere for me to reach out and ask for my favourite snack back. Or for the health concise of us, what’s the macros, what’s really in my food? Simply packaging and barcodes just don’t cut it and that’s why GS1 is just around the corner.
In the early days, SeeGap focused on developing smart packaging solutions that utilized QR codes and NFC technology to provide consumers with instant access to product information. As consumer expectations evolved, so did SeeGap’s vision. By aligning with GS1 standards and the global push towards 2D barcodes, they have positioned itself as a leader in transforming traditional packaging into interactive experiences. Just check out the pod below with David to find out the full story, its a good one, trust me.
SeeGap’s journey has been driven by collaboration with major industries, including retail, healthcare, and food production. By working closely with brands, regulators, and technology partners, the company has played a crucial role in helping businesses adapt to the new era of digital-first consumer engagement.
Who are Seegap?
Seegap is a technology-driven company that specializes in bridging the gap between physical products and digital experiences. They provide packaging solutions that enhance our consumer engagement through QR code technology. Their mission is to transform traditional product packaging into a dynamic, interactive touchpoint for brands and consumers alike. By integrating smart packaging solutions, Seegap enables brands to engage with consumers in real-time, offering interactive content, traceability, and transparency.
Their mission is to give brands direct visibility into who their offline shoppers are — what they care about, how they engage with products, and what drives them to buy again. In a world where over 80% of FMCG sales still happen in physical retail, this is a crucial blind spot most brands can’t afford to ignore.
Through smart packaging and a powerful analytics backend, SeeGap enables brands to:
- Capture first-party consumer insights at the point of use or post-purchase
- Build direct relationships with retail buyers without relying on third-party data
- Understand why products perform (or don’t) across different markets or retailers
- Run targeted campaigns based on real behavior, not assumptions
- Convert offline buyers into loyal, digital audiences
Whether it’s improving product feedback loops, driving online conversions from in-store sales, or uncovering patterns across SKU performance — SeeGap helps FMCG brands turn packaging into a scalable data channel that supports decisions, faster innovation, and long-term brand growth.
What is GS1 and Why Does It Matter?
GS1 is a global organization that sets the standards for barcodes, including the familiar EAN/UPC codes you see on retail products. These standards ensure seamless product identification across the supply chain, making it easier for businesses and consumers to track, verify, and engage with products.
One of the key advancements in GS1’s standards is the rise of 2D barcodes and QR codes, which allow for much richer data than traditional 1D barcodes. Instead of just identifying a product, these codes can store detailed information about ingredients, allergens, expiration dates, sustainability efforts, and much more. This shift is where Seegap is making its impact—helping brands utilize GS1’s evolving barcode technology to create smarter, more interactive consumer experiences.
Why is This Shift Happening?
Consumer behavior is changing. one are the days when people blindly trusted marketing buzzwords slapped on a box. Now, consumers demand transparency, sustainability, and convenience all at once. People are demanding more information about the products they buy, whether it’s verifying ethical sourcing, checking allergens, or accessing user guides. Here are the key drivers behind this shift:
- The Rise of Conscious Consumers – People are more mindful about what they buy, from the food they eat to the clothes they wear. Shoppers today want to know exactly what they’re buying, where it comes from, and whether it aligns with their values.
- Retail and Regulatory Evolution – Industries such as food, healthcare, and cosmetics are facing increasing regulations that demand more transparency in labeling and product tracking. QR code-driven solutions like QS1 help brands stay ahead of compliance requirements.
- The Mobile Digital-First Lifestyle – We live on our phones and modern consumers expect instant access to information. QS1 taps into this behavior, making it easier than ever for consumers to get product information in just one scan.
- Brand Engagement and Loyalty – Companies want more than just a one-time sale; they want ongoing relationships with their customers. QS1 gives them a direct channel to offer personalized content, discounts, or customer support, right at the point of use.
What Does This Mean for the Consumer?
For everyday shoppers, this shift in barcode technology means easier access to the information they care about, all about convenience. Instead of Googling reviews, searching for manuals, or trying to decode ingredient lists, everything you need is instantly available through a quick scan.Instead of searching for product details manually or relying on outdated packaging, a simple scan can provide:
- Instant product verification – Ensuring authenticity and origin. Know exactly what you’re buying and who you’re buying from.
- Detailed ingredient and allergen information – Helping consumers make informed dietary choices.
- Eco-conscious decision-making – Brands can showcase their sustainability initiatives transparently.
- Digital manuals and tutorials – No more losing paper guides; everything is accessible via a scan.
- Loyalty perks and brand engagement – Exclusive deals, personalized content, and customer support are just a scan away.
The Future of Smart Packaging
Seegap’s work with GS1 standards is paving the way for a future where packaging does more than just sit on a shelf, it interacts, informs, and enhances the customer experience.It’s a shift towards a more transparent, interactive, and consumer-friendly shopping experience.
As more brands adopt this technology, we’re likely to see an evolution in how we interact with everyday products—turning packaging into a gateway for digital engagement, making shopping smarter, safer, and more connected.
So next time you pick up a product, check for a QR or 2D barcode—your next scan might be your gateway to a whole new level of product engagement.
So, the next time you pick up a product with a QR code, give it a scan—you might just be stepping into the future of retail.
