Data Points: Benefits of Technology: UV Curing and the Growth of RFID

RFID: Coming Soon to Tabs and Labels Near You

GS1 US, the US side of a global and industry standards organization, recently released a study showing that apparel and general merchandise manufacturers and retailers are using item level Electronic Product Code (EPC)-enabled radio frequency identification (RFID) to enhance inventory visibility and respond to consumer demands for omni-channel options.

RFID Gaining Traction Infographic PDF

Lest you think that RFID is limited to hang tags on clothing, think again. RFID circuits and antennas are being integrated into adhesive labels and can be laminated with various facestocks during the finishing process. What was once a mere blip on most converters’ radar is coming closer and brand owners may soon be asking about your RFID capabilities.

Nearly half (48 percent) of the manufacturers surveyed said they are currently implementing RFID, and another 21 percent planned to implement RFID within the next 12 months. Additionally, some 18 percent planned to implement RFID over the next 13-24 months. Respondents reported that four in 10 items made by apparel and general merchandise manufacturers have RFID tags.

Of the retailers surveyed, 57 percent reported that they are currently implementing RFID, 19 percent planned to implement RFID within the next 12 months, and another 10 percent plan to implement RFID in 13-24 months. On average, some 47 percent of items received by apparel and general merchandise retailers come with RFID tags.

“These findings show that the retail industry is nearing an RFID adoption and usage tipping point,” said Dr. Bill Hardgrave, dean of the Harbert College of Business and founder of the RFID Lab at Auburn University. “RFID is no longer just something proven in concept—it is providing tangible results for manufacturers and retailers, and provides the inventory accuracy that omni-channel retailing demands.”

For manufacturers, RFID has been proven to offer multiple benefits, including reinforcing authenticity, decreasing inspection costs, reducing shrinkage and enhancing logistics accuracy. For retailers, RFID provides greater than 95 percent inventory accuracy, improved sales, decreased out-of-stocks, increased margins and expedited returns, according to Auburn University research.

“As industry collaboration and discussion grows, it will be difficult for companies to ignore RFID’s role as a critical enabler of inventory visibility and the seamless customer experience,” said Melanie Nuce, vice president of apparel and general merchandise, GS1 US.

Do You UV?

A 2014 PRIMIR research study, “UV/EB Curing Technologies in Printing,” reports that most utilization of energy-curing technologies today is primarily in packaging applications.

Energy-curing inks and coatings are used for applications where productivity and durability are at a premium. Printers utilizing this technology realize quantifiable production and cost savings: decreased make-ready and wash-up time and quicker drying time, resulting in increased press productivity. Unlike commercial printers, packaging converters have quickly adopted energy technologies because the return-on-investment calculations are clear and compelling: faster drying times move jobs quickly to higher-value converting operations.

Although print providers and packaging converters still find it difficult to invest due to ongoing price pressures and overcapacity issues, productivity and efficiency benefits from energy-curing ink systems are tangible. Those who have adopted the technology do not foresee going forward without it. The PRIMIR study projects a 2.5 percent or greater combined growth rate in North America for energy curing technologies through 2017, possibly higher if education about energy-curing technologies becomes a priority for the industry. pP

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