AD Stretch Cohort 4

Making Innovation Possible

AD Stretch is Avery Dennison's call to startups to collaborate on innovative packaging and labeling solutions that drive positive impact for people, the planet, and businesses.

Cohort 4 offers startups fully funded pilots to tackle real business challenges alongside the AD team, explore the impact of new technologies for Avery Dennison, and scale solutions with world-class R&D expertise and global market access.

We have designed two challenges:
Theme 1: Seamless security, stronger brands: bridging physical and digital to ensure authenticity
Challenge 1: Securing products through advanced materials, packaging & processes.

Traditional packaging and security measures are failing. Brands need next-gen solutions for authentication, tamper protection, and secure supply chains.

Ideal Solutions
Integrated Security: Overt and covert features in labels to protect brand identity.
Seamless Integration: Solutions that enhance physical and digital security within existing systems.
Key Features
Advanced Materials: Security inks, holograms, microprinting
Tamper-Evident Packaging: Seals, void labels, smart coatings
Authentication Technologies: DNA markers, infrared/UV compounds
Specialized Devices: AI scanners, verification tools
Supply Chain Security: Blockchain, encrypted serialization, forensic tagging
> As commerce moves online, counterfeiting is harder to track and eliminate. Brands need digital-first solutions for tracking, authentication, and seamless supply chain integration.

Challenge 2: Digital authentication & connected security solutions
Ideal Solutions
Track & Trace: Blockchain, IoT, GPS for unique digital identifiers
Consumer Authentication: Mobile-friendly verification at purchase
AI Authentication: Automated recognition to detect fakes
Key Features
Connected Packaging: NFC, RFID, digital passports
Real-Time Authentication: Instant verification through digital channels
End-to-End Tracking: Scalable solutions for complete supply chain visibility

Theme 2: Scaling circularity: smart solutions for reuse, refill and plastic recovery.
> Circularity is hindered by contamination and low collection rates, particularly in flexible packaging, such as snack bags (PP-based materials), which face limited recycling infrastructure, leading to waste and pollution.
Ideal Solutions
Improved Sorting: Reduce contamination for better recovery
AI & Automation: Precise plastic separation
Consumer Engagement: Educate and incentivize sorting
Flexible Packaging Recycling: Scalable solutions for PP-based materials
Reverse Logistics: Support reuse and recycling networks
Key Features
Efficient Sorting: AI and robotic automation
Incentivized Sorting: Digital tools to drive consumer participation
Advanced Separation: Polymer detection and precise sorting
Waste-to-Value: Converting waste into reusable materials