Reelables Revolutionizes Package Tracking with Innovative Labels
Reelables is pioneering a groundbreaking method for tracking shipped packages by integrating affordable paper-based electronics right into the shipping label itself.
Unveiling at CES 2025
Making its first appearance at CES 2025, this innovative technology leverages paper-based electronic components that have been in development for several years. In fact, back in 2015, I covered the collaboration between Xerox and Thinfilm to create printed circuits on lightweight materials. Fast forward almost ten years, and advancements have made it feasible for Reelables to incorporate both GPS and 5G tracking technologies alongside a specialized zinc battery within a traditional shipping label.
The Future of Package Tracking
While package tracking is currently available through various carriers, it usually relies on trusting the shipping company’s accuracy – often revealing little more than the package’s city location. The new Reelables system changes that; as long as there is access to a 5G network, shippers can pinpoint their packages’ locations anywhere across the globe. This feature ensures peace of mind that shipments arrive at their intended destinations reliably.
If any discrepancies arise — be it misrouting or theft — users will have immediate insights into their packages’ status and can promptly report incidents. While this might not always guarantee recovery of lost items, it fosters greater confidence in the shipping process overall.
The product will be showcased at Booth 8364 in North Hall of LVCC during CES 2025.
How It Works
Billed as an industry breakthrough in printed electronics, Reelables will unveil its slim smart labels designed for cellular connectivity — described by founder Brian Krejcarek as resembling standard UPS or FedEx labels but offering real-time GPS tracking independent from traditional shipping carrier systems.
Krejcarek emphasized that these smart labels eliminate reliance on cumbersome barcodes typically scanned by couriers or warehouse staff. “This innovation transforms logistics; our active beaconing labels connect like mobile phones do to cell towers miles away,” he noted. In contrast to passive RFID devices providing limited range (10-15 feet), they allow comprehensive inventory audits across entire warehouses every ten seconds due to their significantly wider operational range — even extending hundreds of feet with Bluetooth versions available.
A Shift in Shipping Infrastructure
This form factor gives companies unprecedented capability: GPS tracking technology has existed for some time, but its combination with such thin design (less than half a millimeter) allows mass adoption beyond just high-value items. Companies can seamlessly integrate these printable labels using standard barcode printers without needing elaborate new workflows or extensive retraining sessions—just print them out like normal!
Sustainable Packaging Solutions
No return logistics are necessary with these innovations! Studies—including those conducted by Westrock and Western Michigan University—confirm that these disposable labels fit conveniently within general waste streams associated with corrugated packaging rather than requiring complex e-waste processes.
The advent of widespread IoT powered by robust cellular networks (like NB-IoT from AT&T and Vodafone) aligns perfectly with emerging printed electronics technologies capable of facilitating recyclability while promising future price points under $10 per unit—including connectivity services! As illustrated via shared data visualizations from Krejcarek’s own experience tracing shipment paths across distances catered perfectly towards consumer interests—tracking integration couldn’t be simpler!
No Need for Specialized Components
Diverging from established tech providers such as Thinfilm or Pragmatic Innovations based out of Europe due chiefly because they’ve foregone flexibility where smaller chip sizes suffice instead means utilizing mainstream silicon wafer die specialization bonded directly onto substrates using epoxy functions via entirely roll-to-roll processes sans soldering requirements guarantees uncompromised efficiency goals.
“Here at Reelables we generate scalable millions units per production cycle equipped efficiently around compact zinc battery design treating safe cargo.” stated Krejcarek enthusiastically regarding today’s capabilities now poised uniquely classified packaging material non-dangerous goods air freight compliant too!”
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