Flexible / textile tag
Specialty tags
What is it?
Flexible RFID tags use a thin, bendable substrate – often a polymer film, woven textile, or even printed conductive ink on fabric – to create tags that conform to curved or soft surfaces. They bridge the gap between rigid hard tags and fragile inlays, providing environmental protection while remaining thin and flexible enough for applications like apparel care labels, curved assets, and flexible packaging.
How it works
The RFID chip is bonded to an antenna printed or etched on a flexible polymer (PET, polyimide) or textile substrate. The tag may be further laminated with a protective overlay. Textile-based tags use conductive thread or ink to form the antenna directly on the fabric. Some designs are washable for garment integration. Flexible tags can be sewn, heat-sealed, or adhesive-applied.
Use cases
- Garment care labels with embedded RFID
- Curved surface tagging
- Flexible packaging and pouches
- Wearable technology
- Medical device labelling
- Bag and luggage identification
Pros
- Conforms to curved and soft surfaces
- Thin and lightweight
- Can be integrated into textiles and garments
- Washable versions available
- Discreet – can be hidden inside products
Cons
- Lower durability than rigid hard tags
- Read performance may vary with bending
- Higher cost than standard inlays
- Antenna performance affected by deformation
Specifications
| Power type | Passive – powered by reader signal |
|---|---|
| Frequency | UHF (860–960 MHz) or HF (13.56 MHz) |
| Read range | UHF: 1–5 m; HF: up to 10 cm |
| Lifespan | 3–10 years |
| Price range | $0.10–$2.00 per unit |
| Environmental rating | Varies; some models washable; indoor to light outdoor use |