RFID in glass for pharma sector

Japan's Toppan Printing has developed a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that can be embedded within glass containers such as test tubes, vials or medicine bottles.

Toppan is looking to apply the technology in various applications, including inventory management of products and samples in the pharmaceutical sector. The tags could also be used to deter theft and as a means of combating drug counterfeiting, according to a report on the Japan Corporate News network.

The new RFID tag - developed in collaboration with Nippon Sheet Glass - has good resistance against heat and chemicals which makes it suitable for a number of applications in the pharmaceutical industry, said Toppan.

Toppan has been working on the development of low-cost RFID tags and readers in a mid to make the technology more accessible to industry, and designed the new tag that can work within glass. Nippon Sheet Glass developed the way to inset the RFID tags into the glass container.

Toppan Printing plans to begin production of the tag before the end of the year and is aiming to sell one million units in the first year of marketing.