Things can be difficult for companies needing to apply RFID tags to containers containing liquids.
The presence of the liquid reduces the performance of an RFID tag that is in close proximity, sometimes meaning it doesn’t work at all.
This can be a problem for brands that must comply with RFID tagging mandates for retail customers, such as Walmart, where suppliers are often penalized when packaging doesn’t meet requirements.
To ensure suppliers comply with their RFID mandates, the folks at Walmart work closely with the RFID LAB at Auburn University to create the standards.
To address the problem of poor RFID performance with liquids, the RFID LAB suggests using a separate hang tag or an RDID label where the tag isn’t directly attached to the bottle.
Kansas-based Phenix Label has developed an excellent solution for tagging these products without a separate RFID label.
The new RFID label from Phenix is a single pressure-sensitive label with a tear-away tab that contains the RID inlay.
This patent-pending solution requires only a single label to be applied to the package, simplifying the labeling process. The RFID tag keeps the bottle out of contact, improving its performance.
In addition, once the RFID tag is removed, the bottle and label are easily recyclable.
“At Phenix Label, we understand that the retail sale starts on the shelf with compelling and persuasive packaging.
Our revolutionary new tear-away RFID label provides retail brands a powerful marketing solution that helps them secure valuable top-shelf positioning throughout major retail stores across the country, increasing their bottom line.”
~ Mark Volz, VP Sales and Marketing, Phenix Label
This is a nice way to solve an issue that causes difficulties in some RFID labeling scenarios, being able to apply the label/tag combination in a single operation certainly makes labeling easier.
I’m sure I’ve seen something similar before though – maybe I’m thinking of the RFID traveler labels that are used for Department of Defense labeling. In that case, the RFID part of the label is left on the package and the smaller part is removed.
SATO recently also was granted a patent for a tear-away RFID label, although it seems that it would be used for different applications.
In any event, the Phenix label could be a solution for you, if you need to tag containers containing liquids for Walmart or other retailers.
