When the idea of printed electronics first started picking up steam about a decade ago, there was a wide range of markets that were seen as the initial killer applications. At the time, for example, the idea of printing large area organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells seemed like it was just around the corner, and eReaders became a huge market.

Times change, and markets evolve. OPVs never reached their promise, and many of the start-ups left the business. Demand for eReaders declined, as black and white screens could not compete with high-resolution color screens on tablets and smart phones.

Ten years ago, though, the Internet of Things was a concept, and wearables were an intriguing idea. Omni-channel selling was unheard of. Today, these are some of the promising opportunities for flexible and printed electronics.

Flexible and printed electronics are ideal for these types of applications for a number of reasons, including flexibility, form factor and ability to produce millions of sensors and tags at a low cost. Products are reaching commercialization, and as the technology improves, market share will continue to grow. 

In this issue of Printed Electronics Now, we see numerous examples of businesses where flexible and printed electronics are making their mark. In “The Growing Market for Wearables and Sensors,” which begins on page 11, four wearables manufacturers discuss what they are seeing in their segments. In “Monitoring Food Packaging,” leading RFID and sensor specialists report on the drivers that are keying interest among food retailers.

Printing these flexible electronics is progressing as well. In “Quantum Dots are Impacting the Market,” starting on page 18, leading suppliers and analysts reflect on the growth of quantum dots in the display field, and the potential for printing these displays. “Printing and Electronics,” beginning on 16, discusses what printers are seeing on the manufacturing side of the industry.
I hope you enjoy our latest issue, and I welcome your insights on flexible and printed electronics.