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The abbreviation RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. This technology allows objects to be individually identified without contact. For this purpose, special chip-equipped labels, similar to previous electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags, are attached to the articles of clothing. Through mobile reading devices or fastened antennas, for example, at the cashier’s desk, the RFID labels (called transponders) can be activated and read at a range of 3 to 4 metres.

In the 1970s, the precursors of RFID technology were introduced, most notably in the field of electronic article surveillance. In case of theft, for example, when the safety catch was removed, an alarm went off. Numerous new developments and applications followed, such as pet identification tags, cashless payment and engine immobilisers.

The EPC (Electronic Product Code) is an extension by a serial number of the EAN code, which is well known because of its resemblance to the barcode. The EPC can distinguish individual articles of clothing and enables quick and easy counting of articles. The EPC also provides quality assurance and forgery-proof management.

To read a traditional barcode, you must use a mobile reading device in close proximity so that it is able to transport data. Barcode data can be read only through visual contact and is sensitive to soiling.

Transponders that use RFID technology answer only to a radio signal and send their data to a corresponding mobile reading device without visual or physical contact. The chip does not transmit data on its own; the comprised information is sent only on demand. Moreover, RFID chips are much more impervious to storage, soiling and bad weather.

Gerry Weber uses RFID technology to facilitate and accelerate processes in logistics and on the shop floor. RFID provides these advantages:

• Deliveries can be more effectively monitored because they can be easily and quickly checked for completeness and validity.
• Return shipments are sped up tremendously, with easier and faster handling of goods in and goods out.
• Taking inventory can be done with lightning speed and nearly free from errors using the RFID tags. The entire stock of a shop can be counted within ten minutes.
• Improved inventory control can guarantee 100% product availability.
  
  

Short answer: NO! In Europe, specific legal regulations for the transfer of information via electromagnetic fields are in place. In addition to those regulations, in 1998, an international commission of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended radiation levels which are not allowed to exceed the electromagnetic fields. Those levels have been adopted in such a way that, according to present scientific knowledge, no health risks occur when using this technology. On the basis of this information, the EN standard EN50357 has been developed in Germany, and within this standard, the valid RFID limits have been determined. The generated radio waves are based on technology similar to that in cordless telephones or WLAN.

If the chip is not removed, the technique of attaching it rules out any skin contact. The substrate meets the same high requirements which Gerry Weber demands for the care label as well (Öko-Tex 100).

For convenience, the care label can be removed before wearing the garment for the first time. The customer can have the label removed at the cashier’s desk or do so at home on his/her own. The information regarding care and composition are kept intact.

Short answer: YES! The current application of the RFID technology prevents any negative effects regarding waste disposal. The disposal of the RFID reading and writing devices, without regard to technical design, is legally regulated under the law for electric and electronic appliances. The RFID transponders on the label itself do not come under any environmental regulation and can be disposed with domestic waste.