Nestlé is all set to provide consumers instant access to information about the nutritional profile and environmental and social impacts of its products, through its new nutritional label scanning technology.

According to the company, in the UK and Ireland, anyone who buys a multi-pack of two-finger Kit Kat chocolate bars can scan the packaging with a smartphone and will be able to find out more about the product.

With a Quick Response (QR) code on the packs consumers will be taken to digital sites where they can find more detailed information about the product. The codes will be soon introduced across the company's product portfolio in emerging and developed markets.

A type of barcode, QR code consists of small black blocks arranged in a square pattern against a white background, and opens a mobile application or a website when it is scanned with a smartphone.

By scanning the code consumers can obtain additional information relating to how the product fits into a healthy lifestyle and will also be able to access facts about its impacts, such as how much water or energy is used in its complete life cycle.

The new QR code initiative is an extension of Nestlé's intention to communicate the importance of responsible nutrition, moderation and variety in food habits. Majority of codes will appear on packs on a space within the Nestlé nutritional compass already present on 97% of its products worldwide.