The Packaging Federation is to form an RFID working group with global barcoding, e-business and RFID organisation GS1 UK [formerly the e.centre], other packaging trade associations and converters.
The announcement was made at an RFID workshop in London chaired by Federation chief executive officer Ian Dent.
EPCglobal line of business manager for GS1 UK David Lyon told attendees that, currently, data inconsistency is estimated to cost the worldwide supply chain US$50bn annually, while transport and logistics costs account for 8% of sales. He added: "If, via RFID, you have a truly transparent supply chain, there's an excellent chance you will be able to fulfil immediately. As a key carrier for tags packaging is a vital element in successful deployment and we are keen to forge closer links with the industry to ensure packaging companies are well-equipped to meet growing demand to apply RFID."
Dent anticipates the working group covering both business issues – such as the costs of RFID hardware and software and who pays for them – and technical topics like how to ensure tags work effectively on packs containing liquids and metals. He says: "I hope to get representatives from all the packaging material streams involved in the group alongside retailers, brand owners and technology providers."
