New chipless tags offer sustainable smart packaging and temperature sensing.
Engineers at the University of Glasgow have developed an innovative wireless tagging system that could significantly reduce the environmental impact of single-use RFID technology. Unlike traditional RFID tags, which rely on microchips, these new tags use simple, cost-effective materials—silicon rubber (PDMS) combined with carbon fibers and small coils that absorb electromagnetic signals.
The retail sector currently consumes over 10 billion RFID tags annually, with most ending up in landfills due to improper recycling. The Glasgow researchers propose their new, chipless solution as a more sustainable alternative. These tags not only store identification data but also measure temperature in real-time, making them ideal for applications in food safety, healthcare, and smart clothing.
Using a portable reader costing under £100, multiple tags can be scanned simultaneously, even from different distances. In lab tests, the sensors detected temperature changes between 20°C and 110°C, with optimal performance in the 20°C–60°C range—key for food storage and medical use.
Dr. Mahmoud Wagih, the study’s lead researcher, emphasized the importance of sustainable monitoring in supply chains: “By eliminating microchips, these tags significantly cut costs and reduce electronic waste compared to RFID sensors.” Co-author Dr. Benjamin King added, “With inexpensive, scalable manufacturing, this technology has the potential for widespread adoption, reducing the harm caused by single-use RFID.”
This could pave the way for smarter, eco-friendly packaging that monitors conditions like temperature, humidity, or pH—helping prevent food spoilage and improve medical safety while cutting down on e-waste.
