ISRA Cards Pioneers Eco-Friendly RFID with Copper-Printed, Temperature and Humidity Sensors

ISRA Cards, a French manufacturer, produces over 50 million cards annually, specializing in custom cards and packaging solutions. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, ISRA has made a significant advancement in the field of RFID technology by introducing compostable temperature and humidity sensors that utilize copper inks instead of traditional silver-based materials. This shift marks a pivotal move toward reducing the ecological impact of RFID manufacturing, aligning with ISRA’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Managing the ecological impact of RFID Growth

As RFID technology grows, so does the environmental footprint of its production. In 2024, RFID tag sales are expected to approach 53 billion units, contributing to significant aluminum waste and a rising ecological burden. Aluminum, used in traditional RFID manufacturing, has a high environmental cost in terms of production and disposal. For ISRA Cards, a company committed to minimizing its ecological impact, the challenge lies in reducing waste and resource consumption in its RFID products. The company has focused on mitigating this environmental issue by transitioning from traditional silver inks to copper inks in its printed electronics, a solution that not only reduces the ecological impact but also enhances the functionality of their RFID products.

Sustainable Copper Printed RFID Sensors with Copprint

ISRA Cards has leveraged its expertise in smart card technology and printed electronics to design a new compostable RFID sensor solution that integrates seamlessly into existing RAIN RFID (UHF) environments. By using copper-based inks in place of silver, ISRA has created a more sustainable alternative without compromising on performance. These new temperature and humidity sensors offer a range of benefits for industries requiring real-time monitoring, including manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management.

Key Features and Benefits

Temperature and Humidity Monitoring

The new compostable RFID sensor, equipped with an ASYGN chip, is designed to monitor critical environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity. It can be deployed across production lines, warehouses, or distribution centers, offering continuous data collection to ensure optimal conditions for sensitive goods and materials.

Practical and Versatile Design

The RFID sensor is designed in a compact “credit card” format, making it easy to handle, transport, and integrate into various industrial and logistical environments. Its small size allows for effortless attachment to surfaces, whether by gluing, insertion, or suspension, offering significant flexibility in installation.

Long-Range Data Transmission

The sensor is compatible with standard RAIN RFID (UHF) readers and supports data transmission over distances of up to 6 meters without requiring physical contact. This feature streamlines remote monitoring of critical parameters like temperature and humidity, making it ideal for large-scale, high-efficiency environments.

Durability and Flexibility

Designed to withstand demanding industrial conditions, the compostable RFID sensor is thin and flexible, making it suitable for tight spaces while maintaining durability in harsh environments. This robustness ensures the sensor performs reliably under various environmental stresses, such as temperature fluctuations and humidity exposure.

Customisation and Adaptability

ISRA Cards offers customisation options to meet specific application needs. Customers can request variations in format and dimensions to adapt the sensor to their unique operational requirements. This flexibility allows for a highly personalized solution that fits seamlessly into a range of industry sectors.

Eco-Friendly and Compostable Materials

Use of copper inks instead of traditional silver-based inks for the antenna and sensor components significantly reduces the environmental impact of RFID manufacturing. Furthermore, the compostable nature of the materials used in the RFID sensors ensures that they can be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner at the end of their lifecycle. Copper production has a lower carbon footprint compared to silver, making this a more sustainable alternative while still maintaining high performance.

Manufacturing Process

ISRA ensures that the antenna is printed on the substrate using conductive ink and integrates the ASYGN chip into the final product. The assembly process is similar to that of traditional smart cards or RFID tags, enabling efficient and cost-effective production. Additionally, ISRA’s specialised printing and customisation services ensure that each sensor can be tailored to meet specific client requirements.