Printed electronics is an area that is undergoing rapid development from research to production to final products. Organisations on the world market include research institutions, producers and potential end users. Forecasts indicate extremely large market volumes for certain areas of operation, particularly in retail trade as well as mail and distribution.
Within the framework of PEA, focus is on product development and market adjustment in the following areas:
Smart packaging
Packaging that communicates with consumers. Smart packaging may
incorporate details such as date labelling, additional information
regarding the product and possibly in the future, sensors giving
details and nature of the contents.
Sensors in building materials
Building materials will for example register moisture,
temperature and in the near future also mildew and other damage.
This technology provides higher a higher material standard as well
as increased safety and security for the individual.
Printed solar cells on paper and plastic
This technology is light weight, can be printed directly on to
large areas and is also a relatively inexpensive process (in
comparison to current manufacture of solar cells), and is
revolutionizing the view on sourcing energy from the sun.
Authenticity Verification
There is an increasing need for verification in a number of
areas such as in health care where quality and age of medicinal
products is vital. The technique is also tested on various forms of
security paper.
Current market analysis provides information regarding reasonable
pricing of different technologies using printed electronics, such
as:
- Displays - 0.50 eurocent/cm2
- Conductors / Antennas - 0.02 to 0.15 eurocent/cm2
- Electronic ID - <0.02 eurocent/cm2
