Avery Dennison launches new technology transfer program

Breaking news from Labelexpo Americas...

At a press conference at Labelexpo Americas in Chicago, Avery Dennison Corporation has announced that it is undertaking two significant new initiatives that will enable it to provide more RFID capabilities and better support to the converter market.

The company announced the launch of a new technology transfer program that will give converters access to a broad range of Avery Dennison products and know-how, beginning with licenses for high-speed strap attach technology.

Avery also announced the acquisition of RF IDentics, a Grand Rapids, Michigan start-up that has developed innovative processes for producing high quality products and quickly moving them from design into production.

In April 2005, Avery Dennison’s RFID division began production with the industry’s first – and still only – high-speed inlay production process that uses small subassemblies called straps to create labels or inlays at rates that can exceed ten times that of other processes.  The high-speed strap attach process is protected by patents, which Avery Dennison will now be making available to its converting and equipment partners. In addition to patent licenses, converters will also be able to acquire a variety of materials, components and supporting technology from Avery Dennison.

The scope of the program will expand over time, with new technologies and support capabilities made available to converters as they become proven.

‘These two announcements reflect Avery Dennison’s commitment to being the right partner and providing the right tools for the converting industry,’ said Dean Scarborough, president and chief executive officer of Avery Dennison. ‘The technology transfer program will enable converters to broaden and differentiate their product offerings, considerably enhancing their value to their customers.’

‘RF IDentics brings another valuable set of technologies, manufacturing assets and talent to the Avery Dennison team,’ added Scarborough. ‘It is a great complement to the technology transfer program for our converter partners and is consistent with our goal of empowering converters to add more value with greater flexibility and responsiveness for their customers.  RF IDentics has developed significant technology that will be included in the package of tools that we offer converters.’

RF IDentics was formed in 2004 and will continue to operate out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. ‘It is great to partner with a company that shares the same vision and commitment that we have for the RFID business,’ said Gary Burns, president and one of the founders of RF IDentics. ‘Avery Dennison will bring many resources that are not currently available to us like global reach and support, as well as economies of scale, strong relationships with converters and other RFID stakeholders and additional marketing skills.’