The Challenge of Recycling RFID Tags
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are used for various applications, such as tracking inventory, managing supply chains, and even in contactless payment systems. The technology has become increasingly popular in the apparel industry due to its ability to enhance the shopping experience or track inventory. With the uptick in usage, the environmental impact of RFID tags can be a concern, and for fashion brands, it's important to be educated on the consequences as well as alternate solutions.
MATERIALS USED
The composition of RFID tags can vary, but commonly, they include components such as silicon (for the integrated circuit), aluminium (for antennas), and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) or other plastics (for the substrate).
According to the Global Plastics Policy Centre, 2023;
“RFID disadvantages are associated with the tag cost and the difficulty with recycling. The tag is made of multiple materials (...) which could potentially leach chemicals during washing or contaminate recycling.”
Here's a brief overview of the environmental considerations for each material that makes up a RFID tag:
Silicon (Integrated Circuit):
Silicon is abundant in nature, but the manufacturing process of integrated circuits involves energy-intensive processes, such as semiconductor fabrication.
The extraction and processing of raw materials for silicon can contribute to environmental impact.
Recycling silicon from integrated circuits is challenging and typically involves complex processes.
Aluminium (Antennas):
Aluminium is recyclable, and recycling aluminium requires significantly less energy compared to primary production.
The environmental impact of aluminium is often lower than other metals, but it still depends on the specific recycling processes in place.
PET (Substrate):
PET is a type of plastic that is recyclable, and recycling PET is a well-established process.
However, challenges can arise in the recycling of RFID tags due to the combination of materials, such as the bonding of silicon to the PET substrate.
Contamination and separation of materials can complicate the recycling process.
RECYCLING CHALLENGES
While some components of RFID tags are recyclable, the challenge lies in the integration of different materials, making it difficult to separate and recycle them efficiently.
Improving the recyclability of RFID tags could involve designing tags with more easily separable materials, promoting industry standards for eco-friendly RFID production, and investing in advanced recycling technologies.
Fashion brands using RFID tags must also consider the electronic waste (e-waste) management associated with the materials. The environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction to disposal must be reviewed as well as waste management and the disposal and recycling of electronic components. This of course, highlights environmental concerns amid mass adoption.
Radio frequency identifiers are defined as electronic waste by European Union legislation.
RFID tags are considered as e-waste when they reach their end-of-life, as is the case for all information and communications technologies (ICT) in which the RFID system is included.
Advancements in technology and growing environmental awareness may lead to improvements in the design and recycling processes for RFID tags in the future. Additionally, alternative materials and manufacturing techniques may be explored to reduce the environmental impact of these devices, however these positive advancements would require legislation and time to make a considerable impact.
Certainly RFID technology has revolutionised the apparel industry, however alternate technologies should be considered. Authentique’s vision AI technology enables manufacturers, warehouse managers, return centres and retailers to optimise authenticity, reduce errors, and enhance the shopping experience for customers. The visual recognition App creates a digital fingerprint of the physical product using a smartphone, no physical RFID or NFC tag needed. The non-invasive technology then creates a unique product digital ID which holds information about the individual product and can be embedded on Web3. An immutable token of authenticity.
Authentique is transforming the way the apparel industry operates and strives for environmental best practice. As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative uses in the future.
For more information on Authentique, please contact info@ordre.com