Global Innovator
Avery Dennison
Bill Toney, Vice President, Advanced Technology, Solutions Group, accepting
For 90 years, Avery Dennison has been at the forefront of innovation, not just keeping up with the apparel industry, but actively shaping it. Hear more from Bill Toney ahead of the gala on April 21.
What is one word or phrase that defines Avery Dennison’s outlook for 2026?
"Transformational."
This reflects how our sensor technologies, like RFID, are enabling retailers to leverage AI effectively, driving real ROI across industries such as apparel and grocery, while addressing critical trends like food waste reduction. However, this transformation is happening amidst a backdrop of volatility, something we consistently hear from our clients. By providing accurate, real-time data, we aim to help retailers navigate this uncertainty and make smarter decisions, ensuring they are prepared for both the challenges and opportunities ahead.
What’s the first thing you read on a clothing tag?
If the garments are folded, I always check the size strip first to make sure my size is available. For hanging garments, I can’t help but look at the tag to see if it has an EPC logo.
Looking ahead, I believe the future of shopping will make this process even simpler. Imagine using your phone to scan a tag and instantly accessing all the information you need about the product: size, materials, sustainability practices, and more. Some apparel retailers are already leading the way in embedding UHF technology into tags, paving the way for greater innovation. As the industry evolves, this capability could become standard, empowering both consumers and associates with quick, transparent access to product details. It’s an exciting step forward.
How does industry-wide collaboration support your business goals and growth?
Industry-wide collaboration is critical, because the apparel industry enhances consumers' lives. We take pride in helping the sector elevate those needs through innovation, both at the garment level and across the end-to-end global supply chain.
When brands, manufacturers, and technology suppliers align, we gain the ability to digitize 100% of products at the source. This transformation at retail
doesn't just streamline operations; it thrills consumers throughout their entire journey. By connecting data and consumer usage, we can generate more accurate insights, leveraging AI to better predict how consumers get utility from their products.
What widespread consumer frustration do you believe Avery Dennison’s solutions are well positioned to address?
The biggest consumer frustration Avery Dennison is positioned to solve is poor inventory availability. In today's market, consumer demand is unpredictable across all channels, making it critical for retailers to always be in stock. If a customer can't make a purchase at that "moment of truth" because an item is out of stock online or in-store, it damages both short-term satisfaction and long-term loyalty. This is where RFID technology becomes a key enabler, ensuring stock accuracy to meet immediate demand and optimize replenishment.
But solving inventory availability is just the beginning. Our embedded technology, like the solutions leveraged by some industry leaders, addresses multiple consumer pain points throughout the entire customer journey. These embedded solutions enable a truly end-to-end customer experience by not only ensuring the product is available but also by facilitating frictionless checkout as an example. As smartphone technology advances, these solutions will become a fully connected lifeline between consumers and their products, fundamentally transforming their relationship with brands.
Is there one industry outside of apparel/footwear that you think is charting an impressive course forward on sustainability as it relates to labeling?
While not an industry, the broader movement toward enhanced plastic recycling is worth noting. Our innovative RFID label, designed for use on plastics, is laying the groundwork for a more efficient recycling process in the U.S., further contributing to circularity. These efforts demonstrate how industries can transform waste challenges into opportunities for measurable value and sustainability.
The food industry is also making great strides in sustainability by addressing waste as both an environmental challenge and a business-critical priority. For example, our work with Kroger highlights how RFID inventory automation technology is driving change. By integrating RFID into products, Kroger has improved inventory accuracy, maximized freshness, reduced waste, and optimized employee efficiency. Avery Dennison’s research estimates global food waste costs could hit $540 billion by 2026.
Get your table today for the April 21 gala.