RFID in the circular economy
Complete Life Cycle Tyre Tracking
Globally, there are over 2.5 billion tyres manufactured each year, making the tyre industry the leading consumer of natural rubber. As the volume continues to rise each year, leading tyre manufacturers are embedding Radio Frequency Identification technology (RFID) in new tyres as they are produced to manage the life cycle of each individual tyre and improve its impact on the circular economy*.
From a sustainability perspective, RFID in tyres is a key enabler to improve life-cycle visibility with the key takeaway being able to manage end of life, retreading and recycling applications.
End of life is determined by the recyclability of the tyre at the end of its life and takes into consideration the following:
Recycling
Material recovery
Recovery hybrid
Material valorization
Reference: Michelin Key Benefits
Michelin have been pioneering the way for all of their car tyres to be equipped with RFID by 2023. For Michelin, RFID technology in tyres creates a multitude of advantages by connecting the tyre to a global ecosystem.
The application of RFID technology can be used for:
Wear history leading to the refinement of construction compounds
Reliable traceability of used tyres
Retrieving the components data
End of life data collection
Pairing the information with tread depth for reuse
Reference: Michelin Key Benefits - End of life
Through the application of this technology, every tyre will have its own unique identification. It will give Michelin the opportunity to gain efficiency and optimise operations of tyre management for all aspects within the life cycle of the tyre such as logistics, vehicle development, inventory and production.
“Michelin is also strongly committed to the development of connected mobility services that improve safety, efficiency, sustainability and experience. We are convinced that RFID in tires is a key enabler to develop connected mobility services to enhance driver experience for tire management.
RAIN RFID technology standardized by the tire industry to identify tires during their entire life, shall become industry standard” - Anton Thomas, VP Connected Mobility, Global Services & Solutions at Michelin
RFID application also extends to the customer as it plays an important role in offering real-time, up-to-date information for maintenance services to ease the driver’s journey and life cycle of their vehicle's tyres.
Does RFID technology have a place in your business to improve the circular economy? Contact us today via orders@4idsolutions.com or call on +61 (02) 4394 0333 for more information or to quote your needs for your unique RFID application.
References:
*Circular Economy - an economic system based on the reuse of materials or products, especially as a means of continuing production in a sustainable or environmentally friendly way.