RFID solutions for reducing food waste

Make every pack speak. With item-level RFID, each product carries a unique digital identity that can communicate its EPC, batch, production data, storage needs and remaining shelf life to readers in stores, depots and vehicles. Unlike line-of-sight barcodes, RFID enables rapid cycle counts, automated exception alerts and accurate back-room to shelf reconciliation. When paired with condition sensors, items can also report temperatures or time-temperature integrations to support decisions that prevent waste. Guidance from global standards bodies ensures the event data is interoperable across your partners.

Replace guesswork with data. As items approach their use-by date, your system automatically flags them for first-out picking, dynamic repricing or redistribution. Teams see ranked tasks by aisle, bay and product, so the right items move first. Use-by dates are safety limits under law and must be respected; timely identification and action are essential.

• Configure expiry thresholds by category; surface high-risk SKUs first.
• Auto-generate first-out pick lists grouped by aisle to minimise walking.
• Push alerts to handhelds when near-use-by items are detected.
• Trigger dynamic markdowns and step discounts as use-by dates approach.
• Block sale at POS for items past use-by date.

Move from claims to evidence. RFID event data can capture when, where and by whom each item was packed, shipped and received, alongside its remaining shelf life and temperature exposure. Standards such as EPCIS create a shared, trusted chain of custody that resolves disputes quickly, streamlines supplier settlements and prevents unnecessary write-offs.