Meet the next-generation returnable cup

FlexICs themselves are just 30 microns thick – thinner than a human hair – so sit comfortably within any standard RFID inlay and label.

They can be simply embedded in the base of cup. Their physical flexibility and ultra-thin form means you can add intelligence almost anywhere without impacting the product aesthetics.

FlexIC-enabled RFID inlays have been tested against typical industrial wash protocols, withstanding myriad wash cycles without losing adhesion or functionality.

FlexIC production uses just a fraction of the power and water of traditional microchips, and significantly fewer chemicals and gases. In the case of a standard, 500ml PET bottle, a FlexIC would increase the total environmental footprint by less than 0.4%.

FlexICs are significantly more cost-effective than traditional RFID solutions, allowing you to bring intelligence to a wider range of packaging. And FlexIC-enabled tags can be read quickly and easily – in any orientation or without a clear line of sight – enabling high levels of automation and system scalability.

Through unique item-level identity, FlexICs support traceability and provide important insights such as number of successful reuse cycles, adherence to washing protocols and return rates. Item-level intelligence also enables prediction of supply deficits and bottlenecks, as well as accurate management of stock levels across the supply chain.

No. Information stored on the RFID cannot be readily replicated. Each unique asset identity ensures each item can only be scanned once before being returned.

Typically, no. FlexIC-enabled RFID tags can be read by most commercial readers, as well as the vast majority of Android smartphones.

The unique item-level traceability provided by FlexICs is indispensable for streamlined return logistics, underpinning efficient scheduling of collections, product categorization and location management. It can even remove consumer uncertainty around returns by facilitating quick, accurate segregation at mixed-item collection points.

FlexIC-enabled tags also create an opportunity for customer engagement beyond the point of sale, giving quick and easy access to product or packaging information, special offers or details of the nearest return point. Customers can even be rewarded for consistent or repeated packaging reuse by a simple credit mechanism, linked to their mobile device.