ElastiTag® Featuring SpeedTap(TM) Technology Lowers Barrier-to-Entry for Smart Packaging, Making NFC Solutions Accessible to Brands of All Sizes OSLO, Norway, November 17, 2016 - Thin Film Electronics ASA ("Thinfilm"), a global leader in NFC (near field communication) smart-packaging solutions using printed electronics, today announced a partnership with Bedford Industries, an innovative manufacturer of product ties, closures and identification tags. The two companies will integrate Thinfilm's NFC SpeedTap(TM) technology into Bedford's popular ElastiTag® hang-tag product line to deliver turn-key intelligent-packaging solutions to consumer brand companies of all sizes as well as the broader FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) market.
ElastiTag® hang tags are unique marketing aids that capture the attention of retail shoppers and drive consumer engagement at the point of sale. The tags consist of a colorful elastomer loop attached to a custom-printed label, and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to ensure compatibility with a variety of product form-factors. As a marketing tool, the tags are used to promote special offers, launch new products, and enhance a brand's identity.
Bedford works with a range of clients, from small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to iconic global brands. Larger customers using the ElastiTag® product include Unilever (Dove), Procter & Gamble (Downey), Diageo (Baileys), Bayer (Coppertone), Nestle, Colgate-Palmolive, L'Oreal, Method, Dole, and Hersheys.
With the integration of SpeedTap(TM) technology into the ElastiTag® product, the barrier-to-entry for NFC-based mobile marketing solutions is now significantly lowered. The unique combination takes the industry's "ultimate hang tag" to the next level, offering brands of all sizes an affordable intelligent packaging option supported by a cloud-based software platform that delivers powerful one-to-one marketing capabilities. In addition, the innovative tags easily attach to virtually all types of primary packaging, eliminating the need for more formal integration with a product and bringing NFC engagement functionality closer to the consumer.
Each ElastiTag® with SpeedTap(TM) technology is uniquely identifiable and virtually impossible to clone, and can be read with the simple tap of an NFC-enabled smartphone. Once tapped, the tag wirelessly communicates with the cloud, empowering brands to connect directly with consumers to instantly deliver important product information and other relevant content. Key applications enabled by the SpeedTap's functionality include instant-reorder, loyalty program integration, "how to" instructions, customer reviews, surveys, and user registration.
"Thinfilm's revolutionary SpeedTap(TM) technology, combined with the distinctive personality of the ElastiTag®, will create a compelling consumer experience on nearly any type of product," said Kim Milbrandt, President of Bedford Industries. "We are very excited to collaborate with Thinfilm, an innovator in NFC solutions with numerous brands on a global scale."
Bedford is progressing on efforts to standardize manufacturing processes for integrating SpeedTap(TM) tags into the ElastiTag® product on its production lines, and has also developed technology that allows for high-speed, automated application of ElastiTags to a range of packages. Thinfilm and Bedford are now engaging a range of consumer brands to discuss the innovative smart ElastiTag® product and deliver the full solution to market.
"Many of the world's leading consumer packaged goods companies rely on Bedford's ElastiTag® to help drive engagement with retail shoppers," said Davor Sutija, CEO of Thinfilm. "We're very excited about the role NFC SpeedTap(TM) technology is playing in creating a smart version of the ElastiTag® product and look forward to bringing value to Bedford's existing and future CPG relationships."
About Thin Film Electronics ASA Thinfilm is a leader in printed electronics and NFC smart packaging solutions. The first to commercialize printed, rewritable memory, the Company today creates printed tags, labels and systems that include memory, sensing, display, and wireless communication - all at a cost-per-function unmatched by conventional electronic technologies. Thinfilm's roadmap integrates technology from a strong and growing ecosystem of partners to bring intelligence to everyday items and effectively extend the traditional boundaries of the Internet of Things.
Thin Film Electronics ASA ("Thinfilm") is a publicly listed Norwegian company with headquarters in Oslo, Norway; product development and production in Linköping, Sweden; product development, production, and business development in San Jose, California, USA; and sales offices in the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore. For more information, visit www.thinfilm.no .
About Bedford Industries / ElastiTag® Bedford Industries is a privately owned, innovative manufacturing company that was originally founded as a producer of plastic-coated wire twist ties. Since then, Bedford has developed a variety of twist-tie/closure products under its Bendable Solutions(TM) portfolio, along with a collection of marketing-related products under its Stretchable Solutions(TM) family, including the popular ElastiTag® - the "ultimate hang tag." Bedford was established in 1966 and is based is Worthington, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.bedford.com and www.elastitag.com .
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act).
For more information on Thinfilm please contact: Bill Cummings SVP Corporate Communications Thin Film Electronics ASA +1 408-503-7312 bill.cummings@thinfilm.no
Jennifer Pierce Blanc & Otus for Thin Film Electronics ASA +1 415-856-5152 jennifer.pierce@blancandotus.com
For more information on Bedford Industries and ElastiTag please contact: Deb Houseman Creative/Marketing Manager Bedford Industries +1 507-376-4136 dhouseman@bedford.com
Colin O'Donnell Engineering Manager Bedford Industries +1 507-376-4136 codonnell@bedford.com
