The field of Printed Electronics is developing fast, moving from research to production to end product. World wide actors involved in this field come from research institutes, manufacturers and possible end-users. Prognoses speak of extensive market volumes for certain areas of operation, above all in the food distribution chain as well as Postal and Distribution service.

A network called PEA – Printed Electronics Arena has been established in Norrköping Science Park. Printcom in Åtvidaberg has become a member of the PEA network with Johnnie Aronsson, Head of Sales at that company as the driving force behind this membership.

- Princom has a long history of being innovative. The company was founded in 1905 and was the first in the country to produce self-adhesive labels in 1954. When discussions began about PEA we realised it was an organisation that was in keeping with our history and our need to remain at the cutting edge of technological achievements.

Johnnie has worked almost 10 years in the labelling business as both a sales person as well as business developer. Johnnie highlights future technological development within this field which will bring with it exciting opportunities.

- Previously it has been difficult to create viable commercial products from the R&D field. With our knowledge and experience I believe we have an important role in the network. Also as a commercial participant we do, of course, have access to many companies and therefore the opportunity of presenting new ideas as well as finding it easier to identify those areas that would benefit the customer when incorporating technological development.

It is obvious that there are many conditions, however……
- The most important thing is to produce something that can be presented, only then will things begin to happen. I also believe that when we have something concrete to show, development will take gain momentum.

The development process of Printed Electronics throughout the world will focus on product development and market adaptation of the following:
1. Authenticity – labels, tickets, prescriptions, medicines
2. Displays – smart labels, smart packaging, games, signs and toys

Counterfeiting, imitation and pirate copying is a steadily growing problem. The need to find solutions to protect from this is great. One has to remain one step ahead of the forgers. Self-adhesive labels can often be a practical solution to this problem. Holograms and UV fluorescent colours and coatings imply authenticity. By incorporating various solutions and materials it is possible to seal and protect against imitation.

- Printed Electronics allows for solutions including contact-free identification instead of visual. Advantages are that this system is discrete and counterfeiters are not aware that the original product is equipped with a hidden distinguishable label. Smart labels are a product whereby the labels can take the form of a simple display. By incorporating Printed Electronics in the manufacturing process, production costs will be reduced considerably and the labels can be used with a display function on various types of products. Simply put, it is possible to market an “old” product on a new and larger market.

Printcom are at present very much involved with logistical labels. Labels which carry information and form part of the data flow as well as the physical flow of goods. Printed Electronics makes it possible to incorporate a number of dimensions and parameters not available with conventional labels.
For example, temperature indicators can monitor the progress of a product and see if it remains within the desired temperature levels. A time indicator can see if a product is transported within a specific time frame.

- It is important for us at Printcom, a relatively small company, to think from a global perspective and see that we are updated. The majority of our customers are major industrial manufacturers operating in a number of countries. Also many products and ideas are too big for the Swedish market. Through our participation in PEA we can remain updated and by participating in meetings we can learn from each other. We have set a goal to design 2 or 3 products which can be manufactured and presented during 2008. Responsibility for these products lies with us, the producers. Our customers do not have time to discuss matters relating to research and development; they are only interested when they become commercial products. Our role is to be that piece in the development puzzle and present technology in a clear and customer beneficial manner.

The PEA network was established for the market participants within the municipality, university and private sector who together can work towards regional development of organisations using Printed Electronics as the basis. The aim is to create a network where participating companies have the opportunity of exchanging experiences and making use of research and development results achieved by Acreo and Linköping University.
Current participants of the PEA Network are the Trade & Industry Offices in the municipalities of Norrköping, Katrineholm and Åtvidaberg as well as Linköping University (LiU), Acreo and Norrköping Science Park, with the latter organisation being responsible for coordinating the project. PEA is undergoing expansion, especially to include affiliated market participants from the private sector.
Printcom Grafiska AB, with head office and production located in Åtvidaberg, works with “labels in systems” employs 54 and has a turnover of SEK M 75.
Prospects no 3, 2007