Augmented reality product packaging: the Herbal Essences AR Experience

THE GOAL

• Bring awareness to plastic pollution in our waterways

Each year, upwards of 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, harming the plant and wildlife that make up these naturally diverse environments. As Herbal Essences believes in the positive power of nature and the important role biodiversity plays in keeping our planet in balance, they wanted to help raise awareness for the cause. They partnered with TerraCycle, an innovative waste management company, to drive more attention and encourage more consumers to make better choices when the products they use reach their end-of-use cycle.

The partnership involved creating recyclable shampoo and conditioner bottles made of 25% beach plastic. This AR project aimed to add rich layers of extra information related to the cause, using innovative augmented reality enhanced product packaging.

THE SOLUTION

• AR content attached to product packaging

AR app: Herbal Essences AR Experience [ Google Play – App Store ]

Users can download the Herbal Essences AR Experience app to scan the limited-edition Beach Plastic bottles at stores or at home. Each scan triggers an AR experience that allows users to learn more about the story behind the company’s game-changing bottles made out of plastics picked up from some of the world’s dirtiest beaches.

The experience digitally displays an interactive beachscape around the bottle while displaying an informative video that speaks of the product and the plastic waste problem.

As the AR experience progresses, users see plastic waste washing up on the augmented shore and are invited to swipe the screen to help clean the oceans.