Tagging salads & hard packaging

Carolina Villatoro Updated by Carolina Villatoro

Regular tags are created for products without metal or liquid that will not be microwaved. These tags are typically used for salads, wraps, and desserts. In general, products in hard packaging use regular tags; however, always follow best practices:

  • If the tag has the potential to be microwaved, use a microwave-safe tag
  • If the tag will be placed directly on metal, use a metal-safe tag
  • If the tag will be placed on a drink or any products containing liquid, use a drink tag
  • If the product is small, use a metal-safe tag

Tag Placement

Tags need to be placed on top of the product where they can be read most consistently. They should not be placed under the product or hidden so that they have no chance of being seen by the RFID antennas. The tag does not need to face the customer. The most important key is placing the tag as high as possible on the product.

For clamshell packaged products, such as those commonly used for salads, there are two places you can place the tag:

  1. Side of container (recommended)
  2. On top of the container.

When possible, merchandise the packaging with the tag facing the store's antennae.

Be mindful of tag placement due to liquids! If your product's packaging contain liquid such as condiments and dressing, this can block the RFID tag from reading. Place it as far as possible from the liquid.

Can it bend?

Yes, tags can bend to form around the product. What is key is that the regular tag is fully flat on the product.

Can I stack?

Yes! You absolutely can stack your hard packages. The most important key is that the products should be stacked in a way that can be read consistently. This means the products absolutely cannot cover other tags. The tags do not need to face the customer.

Knoweldge Check

ANSWER
Yes, this is following best tagging practices. This tag placement could become an issue, however, if products are stacked.
ANSWER
No, these are not following the best tagging practices for two reasons: the tag is very low on the product and the tag is hidden amongst itself. If the tags are placed really low, that makes it really difficult for the antennas to "see" the tags. If the tag is covered by another product, the tag has a limited chance of being read consistently
ANSWER
Tag B is correct. You will notice that the tags are placed in the same area, but the key difference is what is under the tags. The salad dressing under tag A will cause tag reading issues as salad dressing is a liquid. Tag B is far away from the salad dressing.
ANSWER
No, this tag placement is not following best tagging practices as it is not flat. It is bunched up. It needs to be completely flattened.

How did we do?

Tagging soups or yogurts

Are RFID tags microwave safe?

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