RPCC Launches Industry’s Largest Field Trial of RFID Technology on Reusable Transport Packaging
After Rigorous Lab Testing, Trial Moves to the Field, Backed By Unprecedented Industry Support

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 19, 2007 – The largest and most widely-supported industry field test of RFID technology on reusable transport packaging is under way, it was announced today by the Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition (RPCC).

The groundbreaking study is supported by a broad group of RPCC members and industry leaders that collectively represent every facet of the supply chain. The participants include Tanimura and Antle, Stemilt, Wal*Mart, Frontera, The Kennedy Group, Avery Dennison, Alien, UPM Raflatac, Impinj, IFCO Systems, Georgia-Pacific, and ORBIS.

Currently, thousands of reusable containers with affixed RFID tags are being tested throughout the supply chain, from the wet and cold conditions of grower fields, to the rugged and repeated handling of distribution centers, and on to the retail environment. This large scale field trial comes on the heels of rigorous laboratory testing at Michigan State University School of Packaging

“There has never been an RFID-related field trial of this magnitude in the United States with so many key supply chain partners,” said Fred Heptinstall of IFCO Systems, and RPCC president.  “ The level of cooperation within the industry is truly remarkable. And if the field trial results mirror the data from the laboratory testing, we will prove unequivocally that reusables are the enabler to the cost-effective use of RFID technology.”

During the laboratory trial, 230 reusable containers with nine different EPC-compliant, Gen 2 RFID tags were vigorously tested at Michigan State University School of Packaging. Moreover, readability tests were conducted by a CalPoly scientist at a second laboratory and results were verified by third-party advisors. The project team performed more than 160 hours of testing and more than 14,000 tests. The containers were subjected to sinusoidal vibration and drop tests on all edges as well as repeated cleaning and handling. In addition to proving durability, the data demonstrated that it is possible to get 100 percent read rates 100 percent of the time which has never been achieved in the industry before. The three tags that performed optimally during the testing are currently being used in the field trial.

“The durability and readability of the RFID tags during the lab tests were superb,” said Pat Kennedy of The Kennedy Group, and the RPCC Project Leader. “The information gathered from these studies will help businesses make data-driven decisions about the cost effectiveness and feasibility of incorporating reusable containers into their supply chains from an enhanced track and trace perspective.”

In the field trial that is currently under way, the reusable containers with the multi-cycle RFID tags are being used in grower fields in Washington and California where they are being subjected to mud, varying weather conditions, and rough handling in the field.  From there, produce in the containers is shipped to Wal*Mart distribution centers, where the produce is cleaned and the containers and tags are subject to washing, further handling, refrigeration, and storage before being sent to retail stores. Eventually, the containers are collapsed and sent back through the supply chain for further cleaning, handling, and storage. Each container is going through a minimum of three cycles of use.  At the end of each cycle, the RFID tags are being tested for viability, then re-encoded for the next cycle. The six-month field trial is expected to end in spring 2008.

Because perishables are shipped under the most demanding conditions, a successful field test with perishables will provide convincing evidence of the feasibility of using RFID technology with reusable transport packaging in a wide range of other industries, including automotive, beverage, pharmaceutical, and others. The adoption of RFID tags in the reusable supply chain has the potential to:

· enhance supply chain visibility;
· significantly reduce errors;
· significantly reduce costs;
· improve operational control of assets;
· provide real time product and asset locations in the supply chain;
· lead to significant changes in food traceability opportunities;
· reduce container loss;
· and generate a positive ROI on the cost of reusable containers.

Upon completion of the field trial, the RPCC will develop an economic model for integrating RFID tags with reusable transport packaging. Quality Logistics Management (QLM), an EPCglobal-certified Solutions Provider, will collect and analyze the data, and present an industry white paper with the results.

About the RPCC
Founded in 1999, the Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition is a 501(c)(6) non-profit association representing manufacturers, poolers, distributors, and others involved in the reusable transport packaging industry. RPCC advocates the integration and expansion of reusable systems through the dissemination of information and data, keys alliances with other organizations, development of standards and guidelines, and educational forums. It also promotes legislative and regulatory activities to support the industry, when appropriate. The RPCC membership believes the issue of non-reusable pallets or containers is a national concern that leads to millions of dollars in waste each year. Reusable pallet and container systems are used globally by leading companies, who have found these systems to be the most cost-effective and environment-friendly method of handling and transporting a variety of commodities, including but not limited to agricultural, beverage, pharmaceutical, and automotive goods.  For more information, visit the Coalition’s Web site at www. rpcc.us or call 202-625-4899.

About ORBIS
Plastic reusable containers and pallets improve the flow of product all along the supply chain to reduce costs. ORBIS is an active member of RPCC. ORBIS, based in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, helps world-class customers move their product faster, easier, safer and more cost-effectively. ORBIS uses proven expertise, industry-leading knowledge, innovation, superior products (containers, pallets and dunnage) and supply chain services (pooling, cleaning and logistics) to implement plastic reusable packaging systems. To learn more, contact ORBIS, a subsidiary of Menasha Corporation, at 888-307-2185,  visit www.orbiscorporation.com or click on info@orbiscorporation.com.

Media contact: RPCC – Jeanie Johnson, Executive Director
PO Box 42248, Washington DC 20015
Phone: 202-625-4899 Fax: 202-318-2289
Email: headquarters@rpccreusable.org
www.rpcc.us