SPE actually had some research articles on this a few years back. Funny you should mention Walmart, Mike. They are actually one of the leading players in getting the technology developed. Probably the largest end-consumer and specifier of such devices, as well.
The one article I remember seeing addressed both in-mold installation for jugs and bottles, and flexible film RFID's for shrink and stretch wrap applications. It would all depend on the scale and volume whether to go in-mold or simply use the adhesive "chips".
It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to be always right by having no ideas at all.
Would you know where I can find these research articles. I am looking to use RFID tags for tracking purposes. The question is, what method is the best way in-mold or adhesive "chips" for a plastic jug.
I have been working on RFID being used at my company for various purposes. I ran across this article on RFID tags in blow molded containers. The technology is new but it appears to be working.