Naslov
Recyclability of label papers with integrated UHF RFID printed antenna

Autori
Gregor-Svetec, Diana ; Muck, Tadeja ; Pivar, Matej ; Ravnjak, David ; Bolanča Mirković, Ivana

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u zbornicima skupova, cjeloviti rad (in extenso), znanstveni

Skup
PTS Innovative Packaging Symposium 2016

Mjesto i datum
München, Njemačka, 06.07.2016. - 07.07.2016

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
UHF RFID, printed electronics, label papers, recyclability

Sažetak
The goal of our research project is to evaluate sustainability of printed electronics on paper and cardboard substrates by analysing the environmental impacts and evaluating the life cycle assessment of these products. Estimations in market analysis predict rapid grow of printed electronics in near future. Already the productions of anntena for different applications are growing rapidly. The antennas of RFID tags can be manufactured in different ways, conventionally by etching, hot stamping or by printing. Printed RFID antennas are becoming increasingly common because of the possibility of producing RFID tags more economically, ecologically and rapidly. Different printing technologies enable printing on rigid as well as on flexible materials. In our case the UHF RFID antenna was printed on different paper and cardboard substrates, using a semi-automatic screen printer. In present research two label papers, differing in grammage and surface characteristics were analysed in order to determine their printability. Papers were printed using offset and electrographic printing technologies, and on prints UHF RFID antenna was screen printed. The assessment of recyclability was performed according to INGEDE Method 11. The goal of research was to evaluate the recyclability and deinkability of printed label papers with integrated UHF RFID tag. Paper represents one of the best recycled material in Europe and a good example of circular economy. Nonetheless, the quality of recycled fibers is affected by some mega trends. Increased presence of printed electronics in paper-based products could also have some influence on recyclability and quality of recycled fibres. Currently, RFID tags are neither biodegradable, nor recyclable. A resent research has shown that paper recycling processes were not disturb much by the presence of printed conductive ink. Some studies have shown that the stamped or etched label with solid-metal antenna separates from the fibers and degrades into smaller pieces which may be to small to be screened out. On the other hand, silver conductive ink from printed labels tends to remain within the paper and is not easily extractable. In our study we obtained similar results. Comparative analysis has shown that the presence of printed conductive ink has some influence on deinkability of printed label papers.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Grafička tehnologija

POVEZANOST RADA