The integration of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology into consumer products is witnessing a significant surge, as highlighted by Mike McCamon, executive director of the NFC Forum, speaking to RFID Journal. Over the past year, the industry has experienced notable growth, driven by technological innovations and escalating requirements from European legislation, particularly concerning safety, authentication, and sustainability.
One of the standout advancements is the early version of a Digital Product Passport (DPP)-ready mobile application designed to assist in compliance with European mandates, while simultaneously fostering consumer engagement. McCamon noted, “Tap here,” a simple call to action, has helped elevate NFC tech to a household term, expanding its utility beyond payment transactions and access control.
In 2024, the demand for NFC technology has surged, culminating in the shipment of hundreds of millions of products embedded with NFC tags. These tags are increasingly being employed for consumer engagement, preemptively responding to requirements set forth by the DPP initiative, which aims at enhancing product circularity and transparency across various industries—from food to consumer goods.
As brands and retailers prepare for the DPP compliance, they must provide consumers access to the information associated with the products via a data carrier. “Already in use with many products, the technology is a great DPP data carrier candidate,” McCamon remarked, underscoring the potential for NFC to revolutionise data accessibility and usability. He anticipates a diversified application of NFC technology, stating, “We expect to see significant growth in NFC being used by brands and retailers, as they recognise its ability to help them enhance traceability and create more circular economies.”
As companies await clarity from standards bodies about the cloud-based infrastructure and data models necessary for DPP regulations, NFC technology is considered “market-ready” for various use cases. To bolster this readiness, in October, the NFC Forum demonstrated a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) mobile reader application compatible with both Android and iOS. This application is designed to enable simultaneous access to DPP information and other consumer engagement functions. McCamon highlighted the necessity for users to utilize NFC connectivity for multiple tasks, beyond merely accessing digital passports.
The application supports dynamic data capabilities, allowing information to be updated throughout a product’s lifespan. For instance, an e-bike’s stamina could be evaluated using a sensor linked to the NFC tag to track battery cycles. However, specific mandates and timelines surrounding the DPP initiative remain to be fully defined, prompting the NFC Forum to maintain proactive efforts in preparing for implementation, with plans to publish the specification mid-2025.
Additionally, the NFC Forum is exploring the Multi-Purpose Tap methodology, which promises to enhance user convenience by allowing simultaneous actions through a single tap. This innovation could facilitate a variety of functions, such as making retail purchases while accruing loyalty points or obtaining product recycling information upon checkout.
The domain of NFC wireless charging also shows promise, boasting induction charging capabilities at 13.56MHz, which are particularly suited for compact devices. According to McCamon, “74 percent of respondents to an NFC Forum survey said the ability to use their personal mobile device as a power bank through NFC wireless charging would positively impact their decision to purchase NFC-enabled accessories.” Efforts are underway to potentially expand the charging capacity to three watts, paving the way for new applications and innovations within the NFC space.
Sustainability has emerged as a driving factor for NFC technology, with survey results indicating that consumer interest is shifting towards environmentally conscious solutions. McCamon noted that 60 percent of survey respondents expressed desire for future NFC innovations to focus on recycling or sustainability, while 55 percent sought additional product information.
In parallel, technology firms like Identiv are also advancing NFC applications, particularly within the consumer electronics and smart home device markets. CEO Kirsten Newquist observed that the adoption of NFC has accelerated post-COVID, as modern smartphones equipped with native NFC capabilities facilitate broader usage. Identiv is assisting businesses in integrating NFC along with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies, particularly in the healthcare sector to improve patient safety and ensure adherence to medication protocols.
The developments in NFC technology and its applications in various industries reflect a robust trend towards enhancing consumer engagement, sustainability, and operational efficiency in businesses. The ongoing innovation and preparation for regulatory compliance hint at a future where such technologies are integral to everyday operations and consumer interactions across markets.
Source: Noah Wire Services