236. Cold-Chain Sensing, But Without E-Waste

The Next Byte Podcast · 16 Dec 2025 · 17m

What this episode covers

The hosts discuss a biodegradable smart sensor developed by EPFL, EMPA, and CSEM to monitor cold-chain logistics without generating e-waste. They explain how the chipless, battery-free RFID tag uses printed zinc circuits and plant-based oils to provide a one-time temperature history, ensuring vaccines and food remain safe. The technology offers a compostable alternative to traditional silicon-based sensors, addressing the massive volume of electronic waste in global shipping.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies: Mouser Electronics, EPFL, EMPA, CSEM, Forebode

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236. Cold-Chain Sensing, But Without E-Waste

What this episode covers

Most relevant to

Topics

Mentioned

Related episodes from other shows

The Onio Batteryless Vision with Kjetil Meisal

Augmenting Supply Chains with IoT | Peter Mehring, Founder & CEO, Zest Labs

Ep 367: Radioactive Weather, Continuous Pickles, and Moon Junk

Projects Overload, New Arduino Giga board, Batteryless IoT, and more!

Energy Harvesting and Future of Sustainable IoT | SODAQ's Ollie Smeenk