Mar 26, 2024The intersection of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) introduces new possibilities for data analysis, automation, and decision-making.
Traceability and Sustainability is undergoing an accelerated pace of innovation. Topics to be discussed include Redefining the Circular Economy: NFC and Digital Product Passport; Enabling Sustainability: RAIN RFID; and Breakthroughs in Smart Packaging.
Below is the schedule for the Traceability and Sustainability sessions set for April 9 in room 36.
Innovating Sustainability from Design to Disposal with Automated Technologies
Time: 9:45-10:30 a.m.
Speakers: Jeanne Duckett, Senior Manager of Food Traceability and Transparency, Avery Dennison Identification Solutions; Mary Lou Bosco, Chief Executive Officer, AIM; Patti Blessing, RFID Engagement Manager Hospitality Industry, Zebra; Renee Perry, Vice President, CSR & ESG, Culinary Collaborations
Session Description: Explore the transformative impact of RFID technology on sustainability throughout the product lifecycle in this expert panel discussion. From design to disposal, this session will unravel the potential of RFID in fostering eco-friendly practices. Learn how RFID enables sustainable design, optimizes supply chain management, and revolutionizes end-of-life disposal processes. Join the conversation as industry leaders unveil innovative strategies for material tracking, waste reduction, and responsible recycling, showcasing RFID as a key driver for positive environmental change. Don't miss this thought-provoking session on leveraging RFID to innovate sustainability at every stage of product development and usage.
Redefining the Circular Economy: NFC and Digital Product Passport
Time: 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Speakers: Mike McCamon, Executive Director, NFC Forum
Session Description: The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a tool for storing product information related to sustainability, circularity and value retention to allow a product to be successfully re-used, remanufactured, and recycled. The DPP creates a digital twin of a physical product and securely records event, transactional and sustainability-based data from across the product's lifecycle. Pioneered in the European Union (EU) within the framework of the EU Green Deal, it sets the objective of becoming the first climate-neutral region by 2050. NFC Forum Executive Director Mike will share how NFC can be used to amplify the DPP's reach, ensure data authenticity, and promote a truly global circular economy.
Enabling Sustainability: RAIN RFID
Time, Room: 11:40 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Speakers: Aileen Ryan, President, RAIN RFID Alliance; Barbara Dunin, Director of ESG, Marketing and Communications, Beontag
Session Description: RAIN Alliance recently published a market research report detailing how RAIN RFID technology is helping companies achieve a sustainability goal or target, and the future potential for RAIN RFID’s contribution to sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This important research advances our understanding of RAIN RFID-enabled sustainability and adoption trends. This presentation will share the key findings of this new market research.
Measuring Sustainability with RFID, One Tree at a Time
Time: 1:00-1:40 p.m.
Speakers: Dr. Antonio Rizzi, Full Professor—Industrial Logistics and Supply Chain Management, University of Parma
Session Description: While the economic impact of RFID deployments has long been studied and the ROI has been widely used as the one and only driver for RFID adoption, in today’s world, companies are becoming more and more sensitive about their role and shifted their focus to the environmental impacts of their actions. A joint research program between Michigan State University (MSU)'s Axia Institute and Italy's RFID Lab at the University of Parma has resulted in the development of a tool which measures EROI (Environmental Return on Investment) and illustrates the impact that RFID technology can have on environmental sustainability, according to each product, how it is shipped, how quickly it might expire, and its attributes such as size, transit distance and cold chain requirements. Dr. Antonio Rizzi, professor of logistics and supply chain management in the University of Parma's Engineering department and founder and head of the RFID Lab, will discuss how the tool is being used and present two use cases, one in the pharmaceutical and one in the healthcare sector, where EROI showed the positive environmental compensation of RFID in terms of number of trees saved on the supply chain.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Valgroup Champions Circularity and Sustainability Throughout Latin America
Time: 1:50-2:30 p.m.
Speakers: Dan Maiorino, Director, Commercial Operations, Valgroup; Mauricio Campos da Silva, Commercial Manager, Valgroup
Session Description: Valgroup, one of the largest plastic producers, transformers, and recyclers in the world, and the largest in Latin America, is firmly committed to the development of an efficient circular economy, in which plastics never become waste. To support that effort, the firm has implemented a system that utilizes RFID tags to monitor bales of PET bottles to achieve complete traceability and transparency. Learn how Valgroup is leveraging RFID tags to accurately monitor and manage the recycling process, ensuring that PET bottles are properly recycled and do not end up in landfills or harm the environment.
Breakthroughs in Smart Packaging: Revolutionizing the Link Between Manufacturers and Consumers
Time: 2:45-3:30 p.m.
Speakers: John DiPalo, Chief Strategy Officer, ACSIS; Ken Sickles, Chief Product Officer, Digimarc; Raf Fonteyn, Technology Director, Europe, Tosca
Session Description: Automating supply chains is an accepted business practice and leads to improved operational efficiency and higher profitability. Internet of Packaging (IoP) technologies, such as RFID, barcodes, QR codes, and digital printing, have already been understood and adopted, and are beginning to emerge with new competitive market advantages. Inventory control, authenticity, security and the customer experience, are just part of what the Internet of Packaging has already begun to provide. Learn how the use of IoT technology is being used to offer product authenticity, sustainability and powerful consumer experiences, in addition to measurable ROI.
Keynote Speakers
New for 2024, the keynotes will take center stage on Tuesday, April 9 hosted on the LIVE! Immersive Stage—an interactive platform situated as the focal point within the expo hall. This stage will not only host the enlightening keynotes but showcase immersive product demonstrations and the prestigious RFID Journal Awards.
The conference kicks off with an Opening Keynote - "Disruptive Technologies: The Future is Now." This enlightening panel discussion features industry leaders who will delve into the transformative impact of AI, IoT, and Machine Learning (ML).
Among the speakers are Brandon Woodruff of Delta Air Lines; Corey Cook of Lockheed Martin Advanced Technologies Concepts; and Cameron Worth of SharpEnd. The panel will be moderated by Bill Hardgrave, president, University of Memphis and Justin Patton, director, RFID Lab, Auburn University.
The a second panel will discuss the groundbreaking RFID deployments in corporate America: UPS' pioneering Smart Package Smart Facility (SPSF) initiative with the innovative UPS Smart Vehicle on the show floor
UPS' Jon Gurney Bell will unveil the visionary project, sharing insights into its objectives, achievements, and impact on logistics standards. Amy Lio of LVMH will shares how UPS is setting a new industry benchmark with optimized tracking, efficiency, and unparalleled customer experiences. Plus Jeffrey Radaker, MBA and the UPS team will be on hand to discuss how they are reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future.
These distinguished speakers and moderators promise to elevate the RFID Journal LIVE! 2024 experience, providing attendees with unparalleled insights and fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with these industry luminaries and shape the future of RFID, IoT, and AI.
