Packaging Innovations Weekly Wrap - Companies Work Together on Printable RFID Development
05 March 2008
PolyIC, BASF, Evonik Industries, Elantas Beck and Seimens have launched a project to develop high-performance printable Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags.
The MaDriX project, partly funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, will cost €15m over three years.
Currently, RFID tags contain silicon chips and are mainly used for high-priced products because of the complex manufacturing process involved.
Printed electronic technology will reduce the cost of a RFID tag and will enable them to be incorporated into cheaper goods, and may possibly replace barcodes.
PolyIC will deal with component characterisation issues, process development and setting up demonstrators, while BASF, Evonik and Elantas will supply new materials to produce semiconductors and insulators for use in electronic circuits.
Seimens will develop a real-time visual print inspection processes for quality control in the printing process.
CLONDALKIN LAUNCHES ROTATING LABEL
Clondalkin's specialist packaging division has launched its Spinformation Rotating Label, designed specifically for use in pharmaceuticals, perfumes and cosmetics.
The labels feature a fixed inner information sleeve, which is revealed through a window on a revolving outer label.
Clondalkin says the labels provide up to 75 percent more space for on-pack information.
The labels can be affixed using standard labelling equipment.
ILAPAK TO UNVEIL VACMAP
Packaging machinery firm Ilapak will display a fully operational version of its new VacMap flow-wrapper system at the Interpack trade show in Germany next month.
The system allows manufacturers to produce attractive, high-quality flow-wrap packs with the same shelf life as thermoformed packs at a lower cost, Ilapak says.
The firm will also promote the energy saving features of its machinery, including greater thermal efficiency of sealing jaws and rollers and the use of energy recuperation systems in the motor drives.
CLIO LAUNCHES GLOWING GROOMERS
US firm Clio Designs has launched a range of men's toiletries in packaging that resembles a lava lamp, the International Herald Tribune reports.
NXT is sold in a triangular container that lights up from the bottom, illuminating air bubbles suspended in the clear gel.
The plastic container is tinted blue and features a light-emitting diode which flashes on every 15 seconds.
The shaving gel, after-shave and face wash, is aimed at 18-24-year-old men and will glow on store shelves.
By Elizabeth Clifford-Marsh
