The German Federal Environment agency (UBA) has released a study which highlights potential problems caused by Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. These tags are being, ever more frequently, used in packaging of consumer goods, and are set to eventually replace the barcode system widely used now.
The tags are beneficial to consumers and retailers as they store more information on a smaller amount of space, and streamline the processes of checkout, warehousing and theft prevention. However, the tags contain silicon and aluminium which could contaminate the products they are placed on and cause problems for recyclers further down the chain. A trace element of silicon when glass is melted down could affect the quality of recycled glass when it is used again, making it discoloured or less shatterproof.
There are estimated to be around 86 million tags in use in Germany today, with 20 million of these being placed on packaging. While this amount does not pose any threat to recycling systems today, the figure is expected to increase to over 23 billion by 2020. This would mean a sharp increase in copper, aluminium and silver into recycling processes, from 7 tonnes (2007) to 770 tonnes, plus an increase in silicon input.
UBA recommends close observation of tag types and volume and more dialogue between RFID manufacturers and the recycling industry in order to prevent this problem or create a solution.
