Smart Textiles Unleashed: The Power of Printed Electronics

Etiketa Tiskarna is a global supplier of advanced, high quality printing solutions, such as high-quality self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeves, and flexible packaging solutions, that are both R&D and technologically demanding. They supply their printed labels to the sports, textile, automotive and pharmaceutical industries.

Etiketa is looking to expand its product portfolio into printed electronics to integrate additional functionality into its products. This would open up new opportunities for applications in areas such as healthcare, energy, smart packaging and the Internet of Things (IoT). Applied CPS provided Etiketa with specialized test before invest service aimed at enhancing the integration of printed electronics within their thermal label printing processes. 

The study involved a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental suitability of using printed electronics on different layers of thermally printed labels. The research covered different layers such as the blocker layer, colour layer, etc., using different electrically conductive inks. In addition, the research looked at the exploration and application of different printing techniques, including inkjet, stencil and screen printing, to create conductive structures and designs, such as sensor electrodes.

The research also aimed to explore the potential of producing and integrating different printed electronics manufacturing technologies with thermal label printing. The aim was to assess the compatibility of printed electronics within labels and to strategically plan subsequent research and development activities. This included an assessment of the feasibility of incorporating printed electronics into thermal label printing processes, with a view to advancing technology and innovation.

The study laid the groundwork for understanding the intersection of printed electronics and thermal label printing, and set the stage for future research efforts. By identifying key challenges and opportunities, the research set the stage for advancing this innovative field, highlighting the transformative potential of integrating printed electronics into conventional thermal label printing.

The integration of printed electronics with thermal label printing represents a significant technological advance with significant potential benefits, but it also involves significant research and development (R&D) costs which can be prohibitive for an individual company, especially smaller ones. Public funding can help offset these costs and encourage private companies to invest in innovative projects that they might otherwise avoid due to financial risk. 

The service provided ETIKETA with a crucial initial understanding of the potential for integrating printed electronics into their thermal label printing processes. It provided insight into the feasibility of printing electrical structures on or within their prints and highlighted the challenges involved. In addition, the service shed light on the barriers associated with different printing technologies and the use of different inks, which were thoroughly investigated.

These insights equip ETIKETA with the foundational knowledge needed to embark on strategic planning for the integration of printed electronics into their product line. By addressing these identified challenges, ETIKETA can now explore and develop innovative solutions, paving the way for new market opportunities. This includes the potential to venture into emerging fields such as smart textiles, intelligent labels, and other advanced products that leverage printed electronics for enhanced functionality. The service has thus set the stage for ETIKETA to position itself at the forefront of technological innovation in the label printing industry, opening avenues for growth and diversification into cutting-edge markets.

The provision of this test before invest service, having as a result the development and implementation of this innovative solution, has been partially funded through public funds. Part of the total value of the service, 40k €, has been financed by the EU and the FFG through grants and subsidies, aimed at reducing the financial burden on Etiketa and encouraging the adoption of advanced digital technologies.

Etiketa, the customer, allocated part of its budget to the research and development of the integration of printed electronics into its thermal label printing process. This investment covered expenses related to materials (substrates, inks, etc. for testing printing approaches), initial prototyping, machine costs and internal project management.

The vision for a future return on investment is that by incorporating innovative printed electronics, Etiketa will be able to offer advanced label functionalities (e.g. smart labels with sensors for wearables) that will differentiate their products in the market and potentially increase sales and market share. Labels that are purely visual can be transformed into functional devices. Public funding from EDIH acts as a catalyst and enabler. 

The collaboration between SAL and ETIKETA on the "test before invest" service proved to be very successful. The short project duration required a close partnership with the customer, and ETIKETA's quick response in providing samples, defining tests and discussing results demonstrated the effectiveness of this collaboration. This proactive approach facilitated the efficient progress of the service and enabled the identification of specific use-case relevant needs.

To enhance the overall process, it may be beneficial to consider an initial introduction to the subject matter for SMEs not actively involved in the requested research service. Investing time in understanding the topic in the early stages of the project could lead to more informed feedback and a better understanding of the results provided by the EDIH partner.