Context
In the last decades, the increasing consumption of electronic devices generates an increasing volume of electronic waste each year. Since plastics and metals are the key materials of these devices, this is becoming a growing environmental and social problem.
Paper is rising as a good alternative to traditional materials for electronics: it is cheap, flexible, renewable and recyclable. This grants paper a strong potential to reduce the negative impact of e-waste.
Our alternative
The cellulose fibres of paper can be tailored to almost any purpose imaginable: conduct electricity, repel water, shield from magnetic fields… INNPAPER will develop inks and functional paper with special properties, to print batteries, antennas and other electronical items. INNPAPER aims to use paper not only as substrate but also as active component in electronic devices
Our mission
INNPAPER will develop an electronic platform using paper as a base material, that will integrate basic electronic items such as batteries, NFC systems and displays. To demonstrate the wide potential of this technology, INNPAPER will develop three use-cases oriented towards food, security and medical sectors. The three use cases will integrate different sensors into the paper-based electronic platform, tailored towards the industry’s requirements.
Our aim is to offer a versatile solution that fits the industry’s needs.
Our Science
We will use advanced approaches to modify micro and nanocellulose fibres, yielding tailor-made papers to be used in displays, antennas, batteries and sensors. The possibilities are almost infinite, and all arise from the micro/nano-structure of paper and specially formulated inks.
Our product
INNPAPER will design a paper-based electronic platform comprising a printed battery, an electrochromic display (ECD) and a NFC system. This solution, manufactured in a multi-site pilot-line, yields a high versatility: by integrating different sensors and specific components into it, the INNPAPER technology will enable the future production of a wide range of industrial applications. To demonstrate its potential, INNPAPER will develop three use-cases:
- Smart labels for food packaging that include humidity, temperature and pressure sensors.
- Point of Care bioplatforms for caffeine and drug (THC) detection in drinks and saliva respectively.
- Point of Care tests for influenza virus and streptococcus bacteria detection.
PROJECT IN NUMBERS