NXP Semiconductors and UPM RFID have announced a partnership which they believe will allow customers to order NFC tags as easily as they would office supplies.

As part of the agreement, NXP will provide the NFC chips and UPM will design and manufacture the NFC tags and inlays. The partnership will, according to UPM, lead to easier, “hassle-free” access to NFC tags.

UPM’s Marcus Vaenerberg said: “UPM RFID is already a well-established NFC tag manufacturer and focused on exploring new technologies and applications for tags and inlays. Our extended collaboration with NXP to roll out high-volume NFC tags is clearly in line with this strategy.

“To better support growing demand for easy access NFC tags, we’re also creating a global network of partners who provide web-based online printing services for customised NFC tags. Ordering NFC tags will soon be as easy as ordering any other office supplies via the web.”

UPM has several NFC tag products based on NXP technology, including its BullsEye, RaceTrack and MiniTrack offerings. The company also provides smaller form factor products — UPM Circus and UPM MiniBlock — for use in new NFC application areas such as loyalty key-chains and item-embedded smart tags.

These NFC tags are now available for purchase from UPM RFID partners and online stores worldwide, with Finnish print firm Hansaprint already offering low-volume customised NFC tags from UPM through its Tagage website.

NXP’s Chris Feige adds “In order to successfully develop the NFC ecosystem, we need to ensure that access to NFC tags is hassle free. We’re therefore pleased to be working closely with UPM to deliver on this promise to the market.”

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