Batteryless Tracking Could Change Supply Chain Visibility

Send me a message What if you could track products across your supply chain without relying on batteries or manual barcode scans? In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I speak with Eric Biel, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Powercast, about how wireless power and RAIN RFID are unlocking smarter, more sustainable logistics. Eric explains how ambient RF energy can power sensors and tags over the air, eliminating battery waste, reducing maintenance, cabling, and enabling real-time environmental monitoring. We explore how batteryless RFID can support compliance with the EU’s upcoming Digital Product Passport regulations by providing lifecycle transparency from factory floor to disposal. We also cover how Powercast is helping companies like Samsung cut e-waste at scale, and how this same tech is being used in places as unexpected as commercial ovens. Key takeaways: Why barcodes and battery-powered sensors are limiting supply chain visibility How RF-powered tags offer low-maintenance, long-life alternatives The surprising impact of passive wireless charging on emissions and operations What supply chain leaders should stop doing if they’re serious about sustainability This is a conversation about turning regulation into innovation, and making sustainability practical through smart design. 🎧 Listen in to learn how wireless power might quietly reshape your supply chain. If disruption hit tomorrow, would you know where your supply chain was most exposed? In 15 minutes my free scorecard helps you assess 27 resilience statements, calculate your score, and turn the result into three priorities and a 30 day action plan. You can download the scorecard free at tomraftery.com/scorecard. Support the show Podcast supporters I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers: Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev Gary Lynch And remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis. 🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on supply chain resilience, AI, and sustainability? I help leaders understand the forces reshaping global supply chains, from geopolitical disruption and climate risk to AI and real-time decision-making. Download my Speaker Pack: https://tinyurl.com/spkrpck Finally If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a message using this link. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.