Chloe So
PulpaTronics transforms paper into conductive circuits using our laser technology to create metal-free radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags for affordable and sustainable inventory tracking.
Project
PulpaTronics
URL
Year founded
2023
Business stage
Seed
High-growth sectors
Advanced Manufacturing
Sector
Electronics
Location
London
Funding
Highly Commended Applicant
The problem and opportunity
Every year, 45 billion single-use metal RFID tags are landfilled. Conventional RFID tags are made with a metal antenna, plastic substrate, and layers of adhesives, making them costly, polluting, and resource-intensive to produce. Inventory managers are seeking solutions to improve business efficiency with RFID tags, but are under pressure to find affordable solutions while meeting ESG targets.
The solution and innovation
PulpaTronics develops fully recyclable, metal-free RFID tags for product identification, enabling inventory managers to improve margins and meet ESG targets. By leveraging our patented laser technology to transform paper into conductive circuts, we’re able to cut costs by 30% and CO2 emissions by 60%. Our product eliminates components, simplifies manufacturing and enables a recyclable product. We’ve begun sampling our tags with 3 global businesses across the retail and packaging sectors.
Market and ambition
PulpaTronics is targeting the £36 billion global RFID market, starting with retail. We have received inbound interest from hundreds of customers and are partnering with selected organisations as we grow. Our vision begins with metal-free RFID tags and extends to other disposable electronics, reducing e-waste while making item-level tracking more accessible across sectors.
Founder perspective
Chloe So is co-founder and CEO of PulpaTronics, leading its operations, partnerships and fundraising. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, she has secured grant and VC funding, won international awards, and secured LOIs and trials with global customers. She graduated from Imperial College London, the Royal College of Art and Brown University in engineering and design.
Women in Innovation Award
Highly commended applicant of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award 2025/26, receiving tailored business support, and access to specialist training and networks. View all winners and highly commended applicants from the Women in Innovation cohort 2025/2026.