Printable electronics – an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionise the UK print and packaging sectors
Starting with a scheme in Yorkshire, international trade body UK Trade & Investment is seeking to help British printers to achieve more export success.
With almost 140,000 people employed in more than 10,000 companies nationwide, the UK is the fifth largest producer of printed products in the world. The industry contributes a significant amount to the UK economy, utilising advanced manufacturing components, equipment and techniques, and cutting edge information and production technologies. Together with pulp, paper and publishing, it is a growing sector that is becoming increasingly sustainable, with the UK leading the way in reducing waste and increasing recycling.
Despite recent innovations in digital media delivery, print remains at the heart of the media sector. Between 7.5 and eight million newspapers are sold daily in Britain and more than 3000 magazine titles are available – generating annual sales of around £2.5 billion. A further £3 billion is spent on books each year, while the linked packaging sector is worth £11 billion and accounts for some 85,000 UK jobs.
From manufact-urers who build printing presses, finishing equipment, plates and other consumables, through to design agencies, copywriters, and others who define the look of the printed materials, there is a vast supply chain involved in delivering printed media to the consumer. It is estimated that in the Yorkshire & Humber region alone, this supply chain involves more than 15,000 businesses employing 100,000 people.
So print is a key industry for the UK, and the UK is a key player within the global print arena. It was with this in mind that UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has embarked on a unique partnership with Print Yorkshire to promote the benefits of international business to the sector.
During the current financial year, UKTI and Print Yorkshire plan trade missions to events such as Print 13 in Chicago, and Paperworld in Germany in early 2014. The collaboration is also committed to spreading the word through participation and organisation of events across the Yorkshire region, the most recent example being UKTI’s support of the Media MarketPlace conference in Leeds in April.
Much in evidence there was printable electronics – an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionise the UK print and packaging sectors. IDTechEx estimates that the global value of the sector will grow from around $16 billion today to over $75 billion by 2023. There is huge potential, for example, through consumer engagement, with interactive displays on labels powered from a near field communication (NFC) enabled smartphone or printed battery.
The evolution of NFC is expected to catalyse innovation in printable electronics. A smartphone can provide the power to activate a smart label, which can then be read by an app in the phone.
Building on UK strengths in print, design and electronics, printable electronics has potential across a wide range of print media, from interactive games, books and posters, to smart packaging that can sense product condition and usage, and even track whereabouts. Companies who are looking to develop ideas into new products, or who want to find out more about developments in printable electronics can contact organisations such as CPI’s Printable Electronics Centre.
CPI’s commercial manager Dr Alan McClelland explained:’We have the equipment and expertise to support companies, whether large corporations or SMEs, in the scale-up and commercialisation of their innovations in printable electronics. CPI and the BPIF are working together to develop awareness of the benefits of printable electronics to end users and help prepare the supply chains of the future.’
UKTI International Trade advisor Alastair Gardner, a print sector specialist, added: ‘With the support of partner organisations such as BPIF, CPI and Knowledge Transfer Networks, UKTI is helping to identify capabilities in the sector and keep industry aware of opportunities and developments across the world.
‘We want to harness the excellent R&D in our universities, the formulation technology necessary to develop the inks and substrates, and, importantly, printers and finishers who can manufacture the devices like digital posters, tablets and smartphones with bendy screens and clothes with digital displays.
‘We are also looking for innovative companies to participate in a visit to Korea in the autumn, to discuss opportunities in printable electronics with key players in the Korean electronics sector.’ UKTI helps British companies of all sizes to grow their business through international trade by offering expert advice and practical support through a range of programmes.
UKTI International Trade advisor Alastair Gardner
Leeds based creative and digital services specialists, The Works Ltd, used the expertise of UKTI staff in Yorkshire, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo to identify opportunities and contacts in Brazil’s sports industry. Following a series of visits to Brazil, and with continued support of UKTI, the company has opened a Brazilian joint venture to exploit the forthcoming decade of sport in Brazil, including the World Cup 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 and associated commercial activities.
Design director Dave Gledhill said of the assistance he has received: ‘We received fantastic information from UKTI here in the UK and fromUKTI staff in Brazil. Without this, it would have been a much more tortuous learning experience.’
Many others can follow the lead of The Works, according to Alastair Gardner. He continued: ‘UKTI helped more than 29,000 customers last year, creating or safeguarding at least 120,000 jobs. The vast majority of the businesses we work with are SMEs, and 20% are new exporters. The businesses we support report significant business benefits from working with us, with an estimated £49 billion in additional sales generated with UKTI’s help.
‘Print businesses of every shape and size have the capability to go global, and there are opportunities available in every corner of the world. Our role is to help companies to fulfil their global potential and to successfully compete in the global marketplace.’
Companies interested in exploring export opportunities who would like to work with UK Trade & Investment should visit: www.ukti.gov.uk
