RFID in Food and Beverage Package Tracking
Modern food and beverage packaging requires reliable product identification and monitoring across complex supply chains, where temperature variations, moisture, and metallic surfaces pose significant technical challenges. Current RFID implementations face interference issues with metal containers, signal degradation in high-moisture environments, and reliability concerns during microwave heating—where field strengths can exceed 1000 V/m.
The core challenge lies in developing RFID systems that maintain consistent performance across varying environmental conditions while meeting food safety requirements and remaining cost-effective for mass production.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including electromagnetic shielding structures for microwave-safe tags, conductive packaging designs that enable frequency transformation, smart containers with integrated temperature monitoring, and specialized RFID modules for metal surfaces. These and other approaches focus on practical implementations that enhance supply chain visibility while ensuring product safety and quality.
1. Conductive Packaging-Based Frequency Transformation for Dual-Frequency RFID Communication
TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S A, TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA, 2024
Method for wireless information exchange between a user device and a food package holding a liquid food product using the conductive properties of the packaging material and/or the product to transform frequencies. The food package has an unshielded RFID device operating at a lower frequency. When the user device with a higher frequency RFID device is nearby, it activates the lower frequency device via electromagnetic fields. The user device transmits a request at the higher frequency which is transformed by the package's conductivity into the lower frequency for the package device to respond. This allows exchanging info between devices using different RFID frequencies leveraging the package's conductive properties.
2. Container Incorporating Slit-Structured Metal Film for RFID Antenna Integration
MURATA MANUFACTURING CO LTD, 2023
Container with an integrated RFID module that allows RFID tagging on metal containers without interference. The container has an RFID module with a base material, metal film, and slits. The metal film on the base forms an antenna. The RFID module has electrodes connected to filter circuits. Slits separate the metal film into regions. In assembled container state, the regions capacitively connect through the container walls. This allows antenna operation despite the metal. The slit regions prevent shorting when metal film covers the container.
3. RFID Tag with Conductive Shielding Structures and Dielectric Layers for Microwave Frequency Voltage Limitation
AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC, 2023
RFID tags for microwavable food packaging that can be safely microwaved without risk of arcing or fire. The RFID tags have shielding structures over the chip and antenna gaps that limit voltage when exposed to higher microwave frequencies. The shielding prevents arcing or sparking when the tag is accidentally microwaved with the food item. This allows the RFID tags to be securely attached to the food packaging without the risk of removal. The shielding structures have conductive shields and dielectric materials between them to prevent high voltages.
4. RFID-Integrated Beverage Container Identification System with Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Mechanism
KONICA MINOLTA INC, 2022
Food and beverage supply device with RFID technology to prevent errors and fraud by users. The device has an RFID reader that detects an RFID tag on a container to identify the beverage inside. An electromagnetic wave absorbing material surrounds the container to prevent reflected waves from interfering with the reader. This suppresses erroneous readings due to external signals. The absorbing material prevents reflected waves from outside the device returning to the reader, preventing false detections.
5. RF Tags with Integrated Sensors for Periodic Status Transmission via Cellular Networks
BAYER AG, 2022
Active RF tags attached to product packaging that can track product location and status. The tags have sensors to detect packaging opening, environmental conditions, etc. They periodically transmit the product ID and status via cellular networks. This allows real-time location and condition monitoring of products throughout the supply chain.
6. Wireless Tag System for Condition Monitoring and State Detection of Packaged Products
BAYER AG, BAYER AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, 2022
Tracking products using wireless tags attached to packaging to monitor conditions like temperature, humidity, pressure, etc. The tags detect packaging state like open/closed and transmit ID and status to transceivers periodically. This data is sent to a computer system that identifies products based on IDs. It stores location and packaging status for products. The system can then provide insights like when products are likely to be used based on packaging state, locate products, and monitor environmental conditions.
7. RFID Label with Dual-Frequency RF Modules, Power Control Unit, Shared Encryption Module, and Energy Harvesting Circuit
ADVANCED NEW TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD, 2021
Radio frequency identification (RFID) label with enhanced communication capabilities, security and energy efficiency. The label has separate RF modules for NFC (13.56 MHz) and UHF (900 MHz) frequencies, along with separate processing modules. It uses a power control unit to switch off the CPU during remote NFC communication when the distance exceeds a threshold. This saves power. The label also has a shared encryption module for both RFID frequencies, providing higher security. An energy harvesting circuit provides additional power. The label can use NFC or UHF frequencies based on the received signal.
8. Smart Label System with Wireless Communication and Integrated Sensory Features for Container Identification and Data Storage
BITCORK INC, 2021
Tracking and identifying food and beverage containers using smart labels to improve supply chain logistics and inventory management. The smart labels are attached to containers like bottles and cans. They have wireless communication, LED lights, displays, speakers, etc. to provide visual and audible identification. A central system can communicate with the labels to control the lights and sounds for locating specific items. The labels also store data like motion, location, temperature, etc. for tracking.
9. Active Radio Tag System with Environmental Sensing and Detachable Energy Harvesting for Product Packaging
BAYER BUSINESS SERVICES GMBH, 2020
Tracking products using active radio tags attached to product packaging that can sense environmental conditions and package states. The tags send advertising packets containing unique identifiers and sensor data at intervals. Receivers listen for these packets to monitor products' locations, conditions, and histories. The tags can also have energy harvesting and detachable designs. The system enables tracking product movements, conditions, and usage across the supply chain.
10. RFID-Integrated System for Food Product Data Acquisition and Supply Chain Monitoring
Shanghai Ziyu Network Technology Co., Ltd., 2018
RFID-based food information management system that enables tracking and tracing of food products from production to consumption to improve food safety and compliance. The system uses RFID tags on food packages that are read by RFID readers at various points in the supply chain. The tag data is sent to a server and viewed on terminals to provide real-time visibility into the food's journey. It allows monitoring food movements, inventory, and quality control. The system also provides traceability in case of recalls or contamination incidents.
11. Wireless Data-Transmitting Smart Tags for Continuous Attribute Monitoring of Food Products
DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC., 2016
Monitoring food safety and quality using smart product tags that continuously track attributes like temperature of food products. The tags transmit the data wirelessly to centralized locations for analysis and alert generation if violations occur. This allows real-time monitoring of food safety without manual checking. The system enables continuous monitoring of food quality and safety, helps prevent foodborne illnesses, reduces food waste, and provides valuable business insights.
12. RFID Tag Matching System for Wine Bottle and Box Authentication
SHANGHAI HIGH ART PACKAGE CO, SHANGHAI HIGH-ART PACKAGE CO LTD, 2012
RFID communicator between a wine bottle and a wine box to prevent counterfeiting. The communicator uses RFID tags on both the bottle and box. When the bottle is near the box, an RFID reader in the box reads the tag on the bottle and activates an alarm if the tags don't match, indicating a fake bottle. The communicator has an RFID tag on the box that the bottle reader can also read to authenticate the box.
13. RFID-Based System for Inventory Tracking and Production Scheduling in Food Enterprises
HARBIN NORMAL UNIVERSITY, UNIV HARBIN NORMAL, 2012
Food enterprise logistics management and monitoring system using RFID (radio frequency identification) for efficient inventory tracking and production scheduling. RFID labels are attached to food packaging and read by RFID readers. This allows real-time inventory levels and location tracking without line of sight like barcodes. The RFID data is transmitted to the enterprise database for updating inventory and generating production schedules based on sales data.
14. RFID-Embedded Bottle Coating Box with External Aluminum Foil Antenna and Patterned Paper Deck
SHANGHAI HIGH ART PACKAGE CO, SHANGHAI HIGH-ART PACKAGE CO LTD, 2011
Bottle Coating Box with RFID tag for anti-counterfeiting and enhanced product information. The box has an RFID label embedded inside and covered by a patterned paper deck. An aluminum foil antenna is attached on the outside of the box to connect the RFID label. This allows scanning the RFID tag to verify authenticity, access detailed product information like batch number and price, and track the bottle's history.
15. Container with Side-Mounted RFID Tag Enclosed Between Label and Wall
HANMI IT CO LTD, 2011
Liquid container with an RFID tag that improves recognition rate compared to attaching the tag on the lid or inside the container. The RFID tag is positioned close to one side of the vertical length of the container, preferably 1/3 of the way from the bottom. This reduces scattering/refraction of the electromagnetic waves by the liquid inside compared to attaching the tag on the lid or inside the container. It also protects the tag from moisture and damage by enclosing it between the label and the container.
16. RFID-Embedded Food Item Tracking System with Integrated Sensor Data Collection and Centralized Analysis
CHINESE ACAD INST AUTOMATION, INSTITUTE OF AUTOMATION CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 2010
A food security management system using RFID tags to track and assess food safety throughout the supply chain. The system involves embedding RFID tags in food items or packaging, along with sensors in the transportation and storage links. RFID readers scan the tags and sensors measure conditions. Data is transmitted to a central database for analysis using food safety algorithms. This provides real-time food quality monitoring and assessment. The system enables automated food tracing, safety assessment, and messaging to stakeholders like retailers, consumers, and manufacturers.
17. Non-Removable Wireless Read/Write Device for Contactless Memory Modification on Containers
BARRY MARKS, BREAK LTD E, E-BREAK LTD, 2006
Attaching a wireless read/write device to a container that can be read without contact to create a modifiable history file. The device is attached to the container in a way that prevents removal. It allows adding/changing information in the device's memory when desired. This provides a customizable history record for the container that can be wirelessly accessed and updated. The non-contact reading prevents accidental separation.
18. Beverage Container with Integrated Transponder Attachment Mechanism
MILLER HANS PETER, MILLER HANS-PETER, 2003
Beverage container with a transponder for accurate and reliable identification of beverage containers in automated systems. The transponder is attached to the container in various ways like gluing, casting, pressing, screwing, or hanging. This allows consistent identification without issues like orientation, label damage, or interference. The container type is not restricted, covering a wide range of containers used in catering.
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