What's new in RFID: A look at the latest trends and products

While Radio-frequency identification (RFID) has been around since the 1940s, and later widely used from the 1990s, that doesn’t mean it’s an obsolete ‘old’ technology. In fact, it’s come a long way in the past few years and adoption is accelerating because businesses now see its true potential. Already, RFID is crucial in warehousing, manufacturing, retail, and even healthcare. In these — and many other — sectors, RFID solutions deliver impressive efficiency while minimising the potential for lost inventory and other costly problems.

As adoption of this technology becomes even more mainstream, it will prove indispensable in eCommerce and retail stores, warehouse and supply chain management, and many other areas of the modern economy. We already saw this technology being used for many different initiatives during the pandemic, including inventory management at testing sites and monitoring vaccine temperatures.

In fact, according to a recent study ‘Key lessons from 10 retailers using RFID’ carried out by GS1, the global RFID market is expected to grow by an average of 11.5% year over year, reaching a value of 41 billion US dollars by 2032. And in healthcare alone, RFID adoption is surging, with an estimated 17% annual growth between 2023 and 2032. These market trends speak to the importance of businesses learning how RFID’s current and future applications apply to their operations.?

Today’s consumers are more demanding than ever, and often, only advanced RFID solutions allow businesses to meet these heightened expectations. COVID-19 brought about many concerns such as contactless shipping, labour shortages, and strict hygiene protocols, which have all had an overwhelming impact on RFID systems.

Gaining an edge in the quickly shifting global supply chain means staying on top of the newest and most exciting uses of RFID as well as learning about the latest ways to integrate it into different processes. To help, we’ve outlined some exciting RFID developments and new RFID technology that’s been making waves in recent years.

The cost of RFID

A common misconception we hear about RFID is that many assume it’s just too expensive to implement, but that’s not the case anymore. What’s really exciting is the price of RFID tags has dropped by 80% in recent years, making implementation far more affordable than ever before. Not only does this make the technology easier to implement, it’s also delivering a fast return on investment.

The GS1 study on 10 major retailers show that RFID solutions can deliver a positive ROI in just two years. That’s because RFID leads to massive improvements in efficiency and accuracy. The study also found that the retailers increased inventory accuracy up to 99%, had a 4% reduction in staff costs and 75% reduction in budgeted staff audit costs. Furthermore, another study found Macy’s has reportedly achieved a 200% sales volume uplift after implementing RFID into their fashion departments.

So yes, there is an upfront investment—but when you see these results in just two years, it’s clear why so many businesses are now deciding to make the switch.

New technological advances in RFID?

While traditional RFID applications are already delivering significant value, the true potential of this technology lies in its ongoing evolution. Let's explore some of the most exciting trends shaping the future of RFID.

Extended read range: Reaching new distances

RFID read range is constantly improving, and recent advancements are opening up exciting new possibilities. Extended read range RFID now lets you identify and track assets from greater distances, scanning entire pallets or monitoring equipment across vast sites without close proximity.

This saves time, streamlines logistics, and boosts productivity. Ideal for applications like long-range asset management in a large facility, this technology unlocks new levels of automation and control.

Track & trace: Labels for virtually any surface

Recent developments into RFID tags and labels, making them smaller, thinner and more flexible, means they can be customised to fit virtually any surface such as plastic, wood, cardboard, paper, most fabrics, and even metal surfaces (with specially designed tags). This allows you to efficiently track assets and manage inventories in even the most complex industrial environments. Scan and identify multiple items at once from a distance, or pinpoint individual items in close proximity. This level of granular control minimises losses, optimises inventory levels, and empowers data-driven decision-making.

Temperature sensing RFID labels: Keeping it cool (and everything else)

Maintaining optimal temperatures is crucial for a wide range of industries, from food and pharmaceuticals to data centres and cold chain logistics. Temperature sensing RFID labels offer a simple, cost-effective solution. These innovative labels require no energy or maintenance and can be easily applied to almost any surface.?

Monitor temperatures remotely for one or multiple assets, enabling proactive decision-making and preventing costly spoilage or damage. Applications are vast, spanning environmental monitoring, cold chain management, data centre monitoring, and even greenhouse management.

Moisture sensing RFID labels: Detecting what you can't see

Moisture can be a silent killer for many products and materials. Moisture sensing RFID labels provide an early warning system, detecting moisture conditions on surfaces and transmitting data wirelessly via UHF RFID scanners. These labels are designed for a variety of applications, including construction, healthcare, retail, and supply chain management. Their robust design ensures reliable performance in indoor, outdoor, and UV-exposed environments.

Dual frequency RFID labels: The power of two worlds

Dual frequency RFID labels combine the strengths of UHF and NFC technologies into a single, versatile solution. This allows you to improve supply chain management, enhance product authentication, and even engage with end-users in new and exciting ways.?

Track and trace products throughout the supply chain using UHF and then provide consumers with detailed product information or personalised experiences via NFC-enabled smartphones. Dual frequency labels are ideal for retail, industrial, and media applications, offering a powerful combination of functionality and flexibility.

LED RFID labels: Illuminating efficiency

Imagine a warehouse where picking errors are a thing of the past. LED RFID labels make this possible. These innovative labels enable "Pick to Light" systems, where desired items are identified at a distance and their corresponding LED lights are activated. This dramatically speeds up picking processes, reduces errors, and improves overall warehouse efficiency.

New RFID technology: Products you don’t want to miss

The world of RFID is constantly evolving, with new RFID technology and exciting products emerging. Let's take a closer look at a couple of standout RFID products and their applications we’re excited about.?

Zebra EM45 RFID Enterprise Mobile

The Zebra EM45 RFID Enterprise Mobile was only recently launched in January 2025. The device has an integrated short-range RFID reader, which eliminates the need for separate RFID equipment, simplifying tasks and boosting efficiency across a range of industries.

We’re excited about this device as it's incredibly convenient for workers on the move. They can easily pocket the device, unlike using a separate device with an RFID sled which is too large to fit in a pocket. Users can quickly access product information, and retail associates can easily provide personalised recommendations based on real-time inventory data on the one device.

Beyond the RFID capability, its rugged design ensures reliable performance in parcel tracking, proof of delivery and equipment identification for workers in the field. Paired with its RFID capabilities, this device is a great choice for efficient scanning and tracking of tagged items, wherever they’re going.

Toshiba BX410T 4-Inch Label Printer

Launched at the beginning of 2025, the new Toshiba BX410T 4-inch label printer has UHF RFID printing and encoding capabilities. This innovative feature allows businesses to create and print RFID labels on demand, enhancing supply chain visibility and efficiency. The integrated RFID analyser also allows for direct encoding, which is critical for industries that demand high levels of tracking accuracy.

What makes this printer really stand out is, beyond its RFID prowess, the BX410T is powered by Toshiba's A-BRID OS, which supports cloud connectivity and seamless system integration. Some innovative features of the A-BRID platform include real-time PDF printing with auto-rotation and scaling to fit the label precisely, and the ability to operate and manage printers securely from any location. This allows for greater customisation and flexibility, meaning the printer is easy to configure and use without the need for a third-party software system.

SLS RFID Gates for dock door management

Another RFID product we're excited about is the SLS RFID gate, designed for dock doors and built to transform warehouse logistics. We have recently installed one in our Innovation and Customer Experience (ICE) Centre, so you have the opportunity to see it in action!

Leveraging the SLS Wave Antenna, this dock door solution can consistently deliver 99%+ accuracy on item-level reads for shipment verification and asset tracking applications. The SLS RFID gates automate shipment verification, ensuring that the right products are loaded onto the right trucks every time. This not only improves efficiency but also strengthens customer relationships by minimising shipping mistakes.?

Beyond shipment verification, the SLS RFID gates can be used to help track inventory as it flows through your warehouse, from receiving to shipping, gaining real-time visibility into your supply chain. This enhanced tracking capability allows you to optimise inventory levels, reduce losses, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Nordic ID HH85 handheld RFID reader

For businesses operating in demanding environments, the Nordic ID HH85 handheld RFID reader shines, boasting an IP65 rating and a 1.6-meter drop-tested frame. This device ensures accurate and efficient data capture even in challenging industrial settings. Its ergonomic pistol grip design allows for comfortable, prolonged use, even with gloves. The device also offers up to 18 hours of continuous operation on a single charge, built for long shifts.

Nordic ID Sampo S3

For retail environments demanding seamless and reliable RFID performance, the Nordic ID Sampo S3 stands out as a true all-in-one solution. This device combines an RFID reader, antenna, and edge computing capabilities into a single, sleek unit, eliminating the need for external hardware and simplifying point-of-sale operations.

Designed specifically for retail, the SAMPO S3 offers uncompromising RFID performance, ensuring accurate and rapid inventory checks, item location, and checkout processes. Its slim and lightweight design allows for flexible mounting options, whether under a table or on a wall, making it unobtrusive in any retail setting.

Honeywell IH45 RFID Handheld Reader

What makes the Honeywell IH45 RFID Handheld Reader particularly exciting is its seamless integration and versatility. While other products excel in specific areas, the IH45 is a comprehensive solution designed for a wide range of applications. It's not just an RFID reader; it's a powerful data capture tool that combines high-performance RFID with 1D/2D barcode scanning.?

This eliminates the need for multiple devices, streamlining workflows and reducing costs. Its ability to integrate with Honeywell mobile computers, charge on a single station, and offer a long-lasting battery makes it a truly user-friendly and efficient solution for businesses looking for a robust, all-in-one data capture device.

The future of RFID is bright, and these are just a few of the new exciting trends and products. By staying informed about these advancements and exploring how they can be applied to your business, you can unlock new levels of efficiency, visibility, and competitive advantage.?

Enhance business visibility with RFID from The Barcode Warehouse

RFID technology has the power to transform your business operations, whether you’re looking to streamline inventory management, enhance customer experience, or integrate real-time data into your decision-making process.

At The Barcode Warehouse, we are the UK’s leading specialists in RFID solutions. We partner with the best brands to offer an unmatched selection of RFID readers, tags, printers, wristbands, and labels to help you optimise your processes. We can also handle the install process and management of the solution once it’s up and running.

Explore how RFID solutions can help you improve inventory management, reduce operational costs, and enhance customer experience. Speak to our experts today to unlock the full potential of RFID for your business.