Thin Film Electronics (Thinfilm) has announced that Jones Packaging Inc. (Jones) is the first folding carton converter in the world to receive Preferred Converter certification for the application of Thinfilm's NFC tags to paperboard pharmaceutical packaging for OTC and Rx products.
In attaining Preferred Converter status, Jones completed a comprehensive evaluation program during which it demonstrated its ability to establish and automate key production processes. Jones also consistently met designated standards related to carton design, tag application, process control, in-line testing/discrimination, product quality, data management, transfer/security, training and support.
In December of 2015, Jones and Thinfilm announced plans to integrate Thinfilm's NFC OpenSense technology into paperboard pharma packaging and establish key manufacturing processes for production on Jones' high-speed lines.
In August 2016, the partners published a video that visually demonstrates the full automated process, including setup of the carton, application of the tag, reading of the NFC chip, recording of key data, and ejection of compromised packages.
Thin Film Electronics / Jones Packaging - Application of Thinfilm NFC OpenSense Tags to Jones Pharma Packaging High-Speed Production Line
Jones and Thinfilm are engaging leading global pharmaceutical companies to integrate Thinfilm's NFC technology with product packaging and deliver the solution to market. The ongoing collaboration between the partners will also include the future integration of ferrite shields with the OpenSense tags. The shields will enable the NFC technology to function on metalized packaging such as blisters commonly used for cold/flu medication and filled in the Jones Contract Packaging Services facility.
Background
NFC OpenSense tags are thin, flexible labels that can detect both a product's "factory sealed" and "opened" states, and wirelessly communicate contextual content with the tap of an NFC-enabled smartphone. The tags contain unique identifiers that make it possible for pharmaceutical companies to authenticate products and track them to the individual-item level using powerful software and analytics tools. In addition, the tags remain active even after a product's factory seal has been broken, empowering brands and healthcare staff to extend the dialogue with consumers and patients.
Thinfilm's "Tag Talks First" protocol is a key feature of the NFC OpenSense tag and enables a read-speed that is up to 20 times faster than conventional NFC solutions. This makes it an ideal technology for use within the high-speed, high-volume production lines found in Jones' manufacturing facilities.
Source: Thin Film Electronics and Jones Packaging