RR Donnelley and Smartrac Market RFID-Based Smart Packaging, Labeling Solutions

R. R. Donnelley & Sons Co., a  provider of communication services and innovator in printed electronics, and RFID pacesetter, Smartrac, have agreed to jointly market an innovative process for RAIN RFID implementation that will enable growth in the number of products connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) through smart packaging and related solutions.

Both companies will bring specific strengths to the collaboration. RR Donnelley will leverage its unique printed electronics capabilities including customized antenna design and printing, and its leadership in labels and packaging markets. Smartrac will contribute its extensive chip attach capacity, plus the data collection and processing capabilities of Smart Cosmos, the company’s IoT services and solutions platform.

By leveraging each other’s fields of expertise, the companies have developed a unique method for manufacturing RAIN inlays using two distinct components that do not need to be adhered together. This method expands upon current use cases and creates new opportunities for value-added products and services. For example, it provides brand owners a means to simplify their RFID compliance needs by making all product tags, labels and packaging RFID-ready and then enabling them on an as-needed basis. Additional use cases include inventory management, asset tracking, authentication, retail theft prevention, consumer engagement and others.