Retail Merchandiser Volume 64, Issue 3 | Page 20

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In modern retail , Radio Frequency Identification ( RFID ) technology has emerged as an important technology to revolutionize how inventory is managed and tracked . But beyond efficiency , RFID is supporting retailers with sustainability practices , offering solutions that promise to lessen environmental impact .

In the last few years , RFID technology has leaped from basic tracking to a sophisticated tool integrated into the larger retail tech revolution . Today , RFID tags are smaller , more cost-effective , and more energy-efficient , making their application widespread from high-end fashion to grocery items .
Some of the latest trends see RFID coupled with IoT ( Internet of Things ), where items are not only tracked but also intelligently managed through data networks . This integration allows retailers to optimize product life cycles and significantly reduce waste .
RFID technology offers robust tools for sustainability in retail by ensuring products are not overproduced , overstocked , or wasted . By providing precise data on inventory levels and sales patterns , RFID systems help retailers make informed decisions , minimizing excess production and reducing unsold goods disposal .
Major retailers can implement RFID across their supply chain and experience a reduction in carbon emissions whether it ’ s due to optimized shipping routes or a decrease in frequency of deliveries . RFID helps in implementing reverse logistics , where unsold or returned goods are efficiently routed back to warehouses or recycling centers , further promoting less waste .
The environmental benefits of RFID extend into more nuanced areas of retail operation . For instance , RFID can enhance the management of perishable goods . With precise tracking , retailers can ensure that items such as produce , dairy , and meat are sold while still fresh , reducing spoilage and food waste . This not only conserves resources but also decreases the methane
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