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

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2025-12-16
- Length: 17m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-16-236-cold-chain-sensing-but-without-e-waste
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/236-cold-chain-sensing-but-without-e-waste-Wnw_a_kI

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-16-236-cold-chain-sensing-but-without-e-waste#t=1) Introduction: Cold Chain and Mouser Sponsor Read
- [2:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-16-236-cold-chain-sensing-but-without-e-waste#t=168) EPFL, EMPA, and CSEM Collaboration Overview
- [5:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-16-236-cold-chain-sensing-but-without-e-waste#t=329) The E-Waste Problem in Cold Chain Logistics
- [7:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-16-236-cold-chain-sensing-but-without-e-waste#t=471) Chipless RFID Technology and Resonance
- [11:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-16-236-cold-chain-sensing-but-without-e-waste#t=682) Mechanism: Oils, Zinc, and Temperature Thresholds
- [13:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-16-236-cold-chain-sensing-but-without-e-waste#t=818) Materials and Compostability of the Tag
- [15:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-16-236-cold-chain-sensing-but-without-e-waste#t=917) Comparison to Graphene Tags and Conclusion

## Topics

- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Mouser Electronics (company)
- EPFL (company)
- EMPA (company)
- CSEM (company)
- Forebode (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Onio Batteryless Vision with Kjetil Meisal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-09-24-the-onio-batteryless-vision-with-kjetil-meisal) (The Amp Hour)
- [Augmenting Supply Chains with IoT | Peter Mehring, Founder & CEO, Zest Labs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2019-06-12-augmenting-supply-chains-with-iot-peter-mehring-founder-ceo-zest-labs) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [Ep 367: Radioactive Weather, Continuous Pickles, and Moon Junk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-04-24-ep-367-radioactive-weather-continuous-pickles-and-moon-junk) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Projects Overload, New Arduino Giga board, Batteryless IoT, and more!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-03-10-projects-overload-new-arduino-giga-board-batteryless-iot-and-more) (The Electromaker Show)
- [Energy Harvesting and Future of Sustainable IoT | SODAQ's Ollie Smeenk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-01-10-energy-harvesting-and-future-of-sustainable-iot-sodaqs-ollie-smeenk) (IoT For All Podcast)

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