Avery Dennison Performance Tapes has announced its ShieldSense RFID blocking material, a lightweight, easy-to-apply aluminum foil material that allows RFID-enabled inventory systems to maximize effectiveness by isolating waves within specific environments, is now classified by UL to UL 723 (ASTM E84) to meet building and fire safety codes for surface burning characteristics.

This certification allows ShieldSense to be installed in new construction buildings that incorporate RFID. ShieldSense has demonstrated performance for flame spread and smoke characteristics through testing to UL 723 and compliance with important code requirements.

ShieldSense, when applied to surfaces such as walls and doors, creates a barrier that restricts RFID waves from traveling beyond its perimeters, such as stockrooms. By preventing RFID waves from traveling area to area, retailers will gain a clear picture of inventory location within the specific environment.

Many municipalities’ laws, codes and regulations require interior finish building products be tested, classified and/or labeled before the products can be installed (an example is Section 8 of the International Building Code). Classified by UL to UL 723 (ASTM E84), as evident by the UL Classification Mark, is one means to provide confidence to code officials, building owners and managers, contractors and others in the industry that the product was properly evaluated to UL 723 as referenced in the model codes, regulations, or specifications.

“The UL classification mark on the ShieldSense product is our way to show that it can be used in new construction, ensuring both inventory accuracy, as well as the safety of building occupants and property in the event of a fire,” says Chris Blackwell, product manager, Print and Packaging, Avery Dennison Performance Tapes North America. “ShieldSense has gained tremendous acceptance in many different applications, as more end users see the value of RFID and plan to incorporate it into new facilities. Key feedback we get from customers is around being able to install without extra nails, fasteners, or attachments as well as the long-term durability of the product post install.”

“It is always great to see products with special applications in buildings, such as this pressure-sensitive foil material, being brought to the marketplace through their conformity to important and well-established fire performance standards,” adds Dwayne Sloan, technical director of UL’s Building & Life Safety Technologies division. 

ShieldSense is available directly from Avery Dennison