What are NFC labels?
NFC labels are high-quality product labels with an integrated NFC chip. They are used where the digital component must fit into the brand world not only functionally but also aesthetically. Typical applications include wine and spirits bottles, premium fashion, leather goods, artisanal foods and cosmetics. The entry price is CHF 1.20 per unit and is aimed at brands that regard a label as a full part of their product.
When tapped with a smartphone, the label opens a brand world that goes significantly deeper than a landing page. Wine customers see the winemaker’s story, the parcel, the vintage notes and food-pairing suggestions. Fashion customers receive care instructions, material certifications and styling tips. In the spirits segment, the label adds cocktail recipes, origin data and serialisation for counterfeit protection. The label thus evolves from a static information carrier into an interactive product story that can develop over time.
How the technology works
The NFC antenna and chip are either integrated into a self-adhesive paper label or woven into a textile label. On the paper label, the chip sits between the carrier and the top layer and remains invisible from the outside. This preserves the design line of the label and prevents visual disruption. On the textile label, the chip is integrated into the fabric and, thanks to special encapsulation, survives more than 50 wash cycles at standard temperatures.
The chips are based on NTAG213 or NTAG215 and are NDEF-compatible. Each chip receives an individual URL during production that points to your content platform, an e-commerce product page or a brand portal. Content can be updated at any time without having to replace the label. A 2024 wine vintage can thus display different content in 2026 than at launch, for example ageing recommendations or price developments. This extends the content lifecycle well beyond the moment of sale.
Material, design and finishing
We produce paper labels self-adhesive in matte or glossy finish, optionally with soft-touch lamination, hot-foil stamping, blind embossing or UV spot coating. Typical formats are around 30×50 millimetres, but individual cuts are possible as standard. On request, we supply the labels already converted on rolls, so they can be processed on automated labelling machines.
Textile labels are usually woven, or alternatively printed satin labels with an integrated chip are available. For fashion, home textiles and accessories we recommend woven-in chips, because they match the drape of the fabric and integrate harmoniously into inside seams, hem edges or shoulder sections. Print quality reaches full CMYK rendering, with spot colours on request. Each label can be provided with its own serial number or QR addition, which enables dual readability via scan and tap and increases reach in the market.
Ordering, minimum quantities and workflow
The minimum order quantity is 250 labels per variant. This makes NFC labels economical for small series, limited editions and curated collections. Larger runs scale degressively, and we prepare a transparent quantity tier per project. The content behind the tap is managed in your own CMS or on a Smart Giveaway platform provided by us. You retain full sovereignty over content, languages and updates at all times.
Production takes 7 to 10 working days from print approval. We accompany you from the first concept idea through material selection, print proof and quality assurance of the coded chips. A digital test kit with samples of the planned labels is available before production start, so that you can test feel, print and scan behaviour in your target environment. Delivery takes place throughout Switzerland, directly to your filling operation, converting line or warehouse. On request, we also handle international rollouts and work with your partners in EU countries.
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Free consultation with Pascal Arnold. Real sample products included.
