At the Smart Packaging Congress in Amsterdam, Chloe So, CEO and founder of Pulpatronics, showcased a breakthrough innovation in the RFID (radio frequency identification) technology sector.
Pulpatronics is pioneering sustainable, recyclable RFID tags that eliminate metals and reduce environmental impact. So’s presentation highlighted howthe start-ups advancements aim to disrupt an industry heavily reliant on resource-intensive materials, aligning innovation with sustainability goals.
RFID tags are a cornerstone of modern inventory management, used for tracking, stock counting, and theft prevention. However, So pointed out a critical environmental challenge: over 40 billion RFID tags are discarded annually, often ending up in landfill, with no materials recovered. “These tags, with their metal antennas and embedded microchips, are resource-intensive, costly, and polluting to produce,” she explained.
Pulpatronics has developed fully recyclable, metal-free smart tags made from paper substrates. Although not commercialised yet, the technology has won several awards, most recently at the Sustainability Awards in Amsterdam on 12 November.
These innovative tags promise to cut CO₂ emissions by 70 per cent while reducing production costs by half. By utilising laser technology, Pulpatronics transforms carbon within the paper into conductive material, simplifying the manufacturing process and ensuring the tags can be recycled in paper streams, supporting a circular economy.
The science behind the tags
So elaborated on two key pillars of Pulpatronics’ innovation: substrate optimisation and laser technology. Extensive research has gone into refining the composition and microstructure of the paper substrate to maximise conductivity and performance. Meanwhile, their proprietary laser technology is tailored to create highly conductive carbon circuits directly from the substrate.
Currently focused on paper-based substrates, Pulpatronics is also exploring bio-plastics, plant-based materials like coconut shells, and even agricultural by-products such as banana peels. “We see opportunities to expand this technology across various materials, making it adaptable to different industries and use cases,” So said.
Scaling for commercial impact
Despite being an early-stage company, Pulpatronics has made significant strides. Its hybrid RFID tags are designed to work with existing infrastructure while offering cost improvements of 8-37 per cent compared to industry standards. These tags have already been trialled in retail stores, proving their effectiveness as both inventory tools and consumer engagement solutions.
The company also plans to roll out security tags, providing a sustainable alternative for anti-counterfeiting and authentication, and is exploring licensing its laser technology to integrate directly into production lines. “By embedding laser systems in packaging production, we can create RFID tags at the source, streamlining processes for brands,” So explained.
Addressing a $36bn market
Pulpatronics is initially targeting the fashion sector, which accounts for 60 per cent of RFID tag usage, with plans to expand into healthcare, FMCG, and packaging industries. For instance, So revealed that partnering with a retailer like Zara could reduce their annual greenhouse gas emissions by per cent—a significant impact for a single brand. The packaging industry is another key focus, with Pulpatronics exploring applications in parcel sorting and smart packaging for consumer goods.
What sets Pulpatronics apart is its commitment to sustainability. Its solution eliminates reliance on metals, reduces exposure to volatile supply chains, and supports local manufacturing. Additionally, the company’s products align with emerging regulations like digital product passports and e-waste fines, helping brands meet compliance targets.
So’s presentation concluded with a call for collaboration. “We’re looking to partner with packaging companies to understand their needs, from substrate specifications to performance metrics, and to help them achieve their sustainability goals,” she said.
With eight letters of intent and three multinational pilot projects already secured, Pulpatronics is poised to scale rapidly. Backed by research grants and a recent pre-seed funding round of £400,000, Pulpatronics is ready to lead the way in eco-friendly RFID technology.
As So emphasised, the potential of metal-free RFID tags extends far beyond their environmental benefits. “We’re not just creating a sustainable product; we’re enabling businesses to save more, track items better, and preserve our world’s resources.”
