Green Gains
In addition to RFID, the main areas of application for printed electronics are displays, such as simple optical indicators combined with further printed components, and smart objects combined into systems of different polymer electronic components.
New smart materials
Wax in corrugated, polyethylene and foil in flexible packaging, wax and poly in folding cartons, and fluoro chemicals in pet food bags and fast food packages are all coming under attack. These materials are used because they work well at low cost. However, recyclable, biodegradable, and renewable materials are preferred and new materials are being developed. Rising oil costs have increased the cost of oil-based polymers, or polyolefins, reducing the cost gap, and at the same time, growing corporate social responsibility is increasing the willingness to pay a small premium for “better” materials.
Jack Miller is founder and Principal Consultant at Market-Intell LLC, offering Need to Know™ market intelligence in paper, print and packaging. Previously, he was senior consultant, North America, with Pira International.
Known as the Paper Guru, Jack is the former director of Market Intelligence with Domtar, where he also held positions as regional sales manager, territory sales manager and product manager. He has presented at On Demand, RISI’s Global Outlook, PRIMIR, SustainCom World and at various IntertechPira conferences. Jack has written for Printing Impressions, Canadian Printer, Paper 360, PaperTree Letter and Package Printing, along with publishing a monthly e-newsletter, MarketIntellibits.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The College of the Holy Cross and has done graduate studies in Statistics and Finance.
