How long do NFC products really last outdoors? We put them to the test!

We get asked this all the time: How long will your products actually last?

Three years ago, we decided to find out for ourselves. No lab coats or climate-controlled conditions, just a good old-fashioned real-world test.

We collected some of our most popular products and placed them on a plastic board and left it outside our UK office, fully exposed to sun, rain, frost, wind, and everything else the British weather could throw at it.

Here’s what we tested:

• White and clear labels

• Disc tags in various materials

• PVC cards

Our main criteria? Two simple but important checks:

1. Does it still scan?

2. Can you still read the print?

Why We Did This

Our products are used in all kinds of environments. From oil rigs in the middle of the ocean to cars in the desert and outdoor restaurant tables in countries with all sorts of weather extremes. We wanted to make sure that when we recommend a product for tough outdoor use, we know exactly how it will perform over time.

So, How Did They Do?

The products that held up best with minimal change and retained their full scan distance were:

• Window sticker

• Sheet express sticker (crystal matt laminate)

• Black ABS disc tags

• White PVC disc tags

As for the ones that didn’t quite make the cut:

• 38mm white with ID print – These weren’t designed for outdoor use, so no surprise they didn’t hold up well.

• 22mm PPS disc tag – The material faded and marked up a fair bit, but it still scanned reliably.

• Printed 30mm On-Metal PVC Disc – Most of the print disappeared, but again, it kept scanning.

• White labels – These mostly lost their top white layer. These are meant for indoor use, so this kind of wear is expected when placed outside.

What’s Next?

Round two of testing is already underway! We're expanding the experiment and including a wider variety of our products. This time, we’re testing magnets, wristbands, bamboo coasters, epoxy table tags, keyfobs, holographic labels, tamper labels, FPC labels and more!

We’ll be keeping everything outside for another few years and will provide annual updates, including photo comparisons, so you can see how each product is holding up.

Stay tuned! We're excited to keep sharing the results with you and make sure you’re getting products you can trust.