Researchers from the University of Sheffield have partnered with technology company Novalia to develop electronic screens and then attaching it to paper-based packaging to display information.
The move is claimed to revolutionize the packaging industry, allowing consumers to interact with an electronic screen on packaging in the future.
Researchers said that the technology could be used in greetings cards with more complex developments to include a countdown timer on the side of a packet to indicate when a timed product was ready.
Novalia Printed Electronics product development specialist Chris Jones said: "The paper-based packaging industry is worth billions of dollars.
"This innovative system we have developed with the University of Sheffield could give manufacturers a way to gain market share by being able to distinguish its products from competitors."
Researchers said that the process involves printing electronic tracks onto paper and fixing low-cost electronics and a polymer LED display to the paper using an adhesive that conducts electricity.
Users will also have option to selectively 'drive' the LEDs in the display through touch-pad keyboard on the paper.
The printing could potentially be done on other surfaces in the future, the researchers added.
At present, the researchers are working to create fully organic displays on a plastic substrate, which can be fixed onto the electronic tracks.
University Department of Physics and Astronomy professor David Lidzey said: "Labels on packaging could become much more innovative, and allow customers to interact with and explore new products.
"The use of displays or light emitting panels on packaging will also allow companies to communicate brand awareness in a more sophisticated manner."
The project is backed by funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Image: Scientists are working on a project to attach electronic screens to paper-based packaging. Photo: courtesy of The University of Sheffield.
