Challenges in Supply Chain Tracking and Sustainability
Managing large-scale logistics and supply chains presents multiple challenges, from real-time tracking of assets to ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainability. Many traditional tracking solutions require complex infrastructure, increasing both cost and environmental impact. Additionally, with growing regulatory demands such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), businesses must seek more sustainable tracking technologies that align with these standards.
Innovative Smart Label Solution for Efficient and Sustainable Tracking
Linxens has introduced a sustainable IoT smart label designed to enhance supply chain and logistics tracking while reducing environmental impact. Developed in collaboration with UnaBiz and NXP Semiconductors, this reel-to-reel printed smart label transmits location data via Sigfox OG, Wirepas, or satellite connectivity, offering a flexible and cost-efficient tracking solution.
Drawing from its expertise in smart card technology, Linxens has engineered this label to be lightweight, thin (5mm), and compatible with existing logistics packaging. The integration of temperature sensors and NFC programmability enables real-time monitoring of environmental conditions while optimizing battery life. For improved efficiency, the label supports two-way communication, receiving activation instructions and transmitting location and temperature data before automatically shutting down when the battery depletes.
For higher precision tracking, Linxens is also developing a GPS-enabled tracker that seamlessly switches between GPS for outdoor positioning and BLE/Sigfox for indoor tracking, ensuring optimal asset visibility across diverse environments. Additionally, a battery-free UHF RAIN RFID version is set to launch later this year, further expanding the product’s application range.
Cost-Effective Deployment and Environmental Benefits
By leveraging reel-to-reel production, Linxens significantly reduces deployment costs, making it ideal for high-volume asset tracking. Businesses managing up to 45,000 pallets per day can seamlessly integrate this scalable solution into their operations. The label’s printed electronic components allow for efficient mass production at lower costs compared to traditional tracking solutions.
Sustainability is at the core of this innovation. Instead of traditional copper or aluminum antennas, conductive ink-based printed antennas are used, making the labels fully recyclable. The manganese cobalt battery also contributes to sustainability by being recyclable and limiting raw material usage. Additionally, Linxens is actively developing recycled material-based solutions to further minimize environmental impact.
Scalable Applications for Logistics and Industrial Sites
Linxens' smart labels are particularly well-suited for pallet and parcel iot tracking in warehouses and industrial sites. The combination of Sigfox and Wirepas mesh connectivity allows for efficient tracking in locations where standard short-range technologies fall short.
The low-power transmission design optimizes the battery’s lifespan by allowing the tag to transmit data intermittently. This ensures prolonged operation while maintaining accurate real-time tracking. With its scalability and cost-effectiveness, this smart label solution aims to drive mass adoption in logistics, supporting businesses in achieving greater efficiency, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability.
Linxens aims to achieve €1 million in revenue by year-end, positioning itself as a key player in sustainable and scalable IoT tracking solutions.