Foiling Big Brother: Consumer skepticism toward products with RFID tags has been an obstacle for the deployment of the technology—especially item-level tagging. No one likes the idea of being followed based on what's in their grocery cart. Yet, while the latest Gen2 tags allow the permanent disabling of the tag at point-of-sale, thus addressing most privacy concerns, both retailers and consumer packaged-goods makers obviously then lose any post-purchase benefits.

Copenhagen, Denmark-based provider RFIDsec (www.rfidsec.com) has one innovative solution. Its software is said to "shut off" the tag at the point-of-sale using an unusual "Silent Mode." Rather than killing the tag outright, RFIDsec tags are put into this silent mode and maintain all their data for further reclaiming only by authorized, secure users. Strong encryption, even on passive-type tags, ensures that the level of access isn't jeopardized, the company says.

RFIDsec reports that it has high-frequency tags available now as an IC chip ready for end-user application development and testing. Smart-label RFID tags, which are Gen2-compliant UHF versions, offered in high volume, are expected to be delivered in early 2007.

Two dispensing-type paperboard cartons—converted by Rengo Riverwood Packaging (Graphic Packaging Intl.'s joint venture in Japan)—are helping to launch Kirin Beverage Corp.'s new "Fire" canned coffee brand.

A phenomenal success in Japan over the last 30 years, canned coffee is the leading national soft drink (not carbonated cola), so the market sector is extremely competitive. To enhance product differentiation, Kirin chose, first, Rengo's 10 × 190-ml Fridge Vendor® package (above, at left) sold as a retail-unit pack. Cans are in a 2 × 5 configuration, and the pack's proportions maximize use of precious space in typically small Japanese refrigerators.

To boost sales of individual cans, Kirin next went with a 15 × 190-ml Tower Pack® with a 3 × 5 configuration. The retail shelf-ready display/dispenser lets consumers select individual cans. Vertically oriented graphics provide an eye-catching "billboard."

Converter Heritage Bag (Carrollton, TX) is using Ecoflex® copolymer from BASF (www.basf.com/usa) for its new line of BioTuf™ compostable trash bags. The application will allow more food waste to be diverted to composting facilities rather than landfills or incinerators, Heritage says.

Approved by the Biodegradable Products Institute and certified via ASTM D6400-04 for their ability to biodegrade swiftly and safely during municipal or commercial composting, BioTuf bags are manufactured using Heritage's Minapol® technology. Minapol, made from calcium carbonate, creates a compound for can liners, trash bags and other bags.

"The process used to make BioTuf liners requires a polymer with good melt strength and excellent toughness," says Peter Klaich, director of Compostable and Biodegradable Products for Heritage Bag. Ecoflex aliphatic-aromatic copolyester resin is reportedly ideal for bags, paper coating, disposable packaging or agricultural sheeting because it decomposes in soil or compost within a few weeks, leaving no residue, BASF says.