As global air travel rebounds and airports accelerate digital transformation, smart civil aviation is becoming a key focus for airlines, airports, and passengers alike. Among the most impactful innovations is the Electronic Bag Tag (EBT)—a reusable, digital alternative to traditional paper luggage tags. Powered by electronic paper (ePaper) technology, EBTs are redefining how baggage is identified, processed, and managed across the aviation ecosystem.
What Is an Electronic Bag Tag and How Does It Work?
An Electronic Bag Tag (EBT) is a reusable electronic luggage label that performs the same essential functions as a paper baggage tag. It displays critical information such as the baggage tag number, passenger name, and destination airport. Instead of being printed and discarded after a single trip, an EBT can be reused repeatedly across multiple journeys.
EBTs leverage two core technologies: ePaper displays and NFC (Near Field Communication). ePaper’s ultra-low power consumption allows the displayed information to remain visible without continuous electricity, while NFC enables wireless data transfer and energy harvesting. When a passenger uses an airline’s mobile app to generate an electronic baggage ticket, the smartphone’s built-in NFC module provides both power and data transmission to update the ePaper screen on the luggage tag—no battery charging required.
Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, EBTs offer a seamless user experience while significantly reducing reliance on disposable materials.
Why Paper Luggage Tags Are a Growing Problem
The scale of global air travel highlights the inefficiency of traditional paper baggage tags. According to SITA industry reports, approximately 4.54 billion passenger journeys occur worldwide each year. Around 80% of these journeys involve checked baggage, resulting in roughly 3.6 billion paper luggage tags used annually.
In China alone, checked baggage volume reached 349 million pieces in 2019, translating directly into the same number of single-use paper tags. These tags require printing, logistics, and disposal—creating operational costs and environmental impact for airlines and airports.
Replacing paper tags with reusable ePaper EBTs represents a substantial opportunity to reduce waste, lower costs, and streamline baggage handling processes.
Why ePaper Is the Ideal Display Technology for Aviation
The aviation environment places strict requirements on display technology: reliability, readability, and minimal power consumption are non-negotiable. Electronic paper (ePaper) meets these demands exceptionally well.
Key advantages of ePaper for electronic bag tags include:
- Zero Power for Static Display: Once updated, ePaper holds its image without power, making it ideal for luggage tags that must remain readable throughout a journey.
- High Readability: Reflective ePaper displays are easily readable under bright airport lighting or direct sunlight.
- Lightweight and Durable: ePaper modules are thin and robust, suitable for frequent handling and transport.
- Sustainability: Reusable displays dramatically reduce paper waste and align with airline sustainability goals.
These characteristics explain why ePaper has become the recommended display technology in aviation standards for electronic bag tags.
IATA’s Role in Standardizing Electronic Bag Tags
In June 2017, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) began promoting reusable electronic bag tags as part of its broader commitment to circular, low-carbon, and environmentally responsible aviation. IATA initiated the development of the Electronic Bag Tag Implementation Guide, explicitly recommending ePaper displays due to their ability to maintain images without power and support repeated use.
A major milestone came in October 2020, when passive NFC electronic bag tags were officially included in IATA’s implementation standards. This marked global recognition of passive power harvesting technology and validated the technical maturity of ePaper-based EBT solutions.
Early Adoption and Market Expansion
Practical deployment soon followed industry guidance. In July 2019, China Eastern Airlines launched the world’s first passive, permanent electronic bag tag on the Shanghai Hongqiao–Beijing Capital route. Later that year, during the inaugural operation of Beijing Daxing International Airport, China Eastern provided passengers with special gift packages containing passive EBTs—demonstrating confidence in the technology at one of the world’s most advanced aviation hubs.
After temporary slowdowns during the global pandemic, overseas markets began to recover. By December 2024, cumulative global deployment of electronic bag tags exceeded 50,000 units, covering 14 airlines and more than 350 airports worldwide. This steady growth reflects increasing trust in the reliability and scalability of ePaper-based solutions.
Beyond Baggage: ePaper in Smart Aviation Infrastructure
While electronic bag tags are a flagship application, ePaper technology is also expanding into other areas of smart civil aviation. Large-format ePaper displays are increasingly used for flight information displays, gate signage, and operational dashboards, especially in areas where low power consumption and continuous visibility are critical.
Compared with traditional LCD screens, ePaper displays reduce energy usage, maintenance requirements, and glare—making them suitable for both indoor terminals and semi-outdoor airport environments.
A Step Toward Seamless, Sustainable Air Travel
The long-term vision for electronic bag tags extends beyond replacing paper labels. In the future, ePaper EBTs are expected to support off-airport baggage handling, door-to-door luggage services, and fully digital travel workflows. By eliminating paper-based processes, airlines can improve efficiency while offering passengers a smoother, more convenient travel experience.
As smart aviation continues to evolve, ePaper technology provides a practical bridge between digital systems and real-world operations—combining reliability, sustainability, and user-friendly design.
SEEKINK: Powering Smart Luggage Tags with e‑Ink Display Modules
SEEKINK provides advanced e‑ink display solutions for smart civil aviation. One key example is the T017E6HG 1.69-inch Circular Full-Color E-ink Tracker, which powers electronic bag tags and reusable smart labels. This module delivers ultra-low power consumption, high readability, and reliable performance in airport and baggage handling environments.
With our expertise in EPD module design, brands and system integrators can turn this technology into fully integrated luggage identification solutions. The tracker supports wireless updates, long-term usage, and clear visibility under bright terminal lighting, helping airlines and airports streamline operations while offering passengers a more sustainable and dependable travel experience.
