PAPERONICS: Low-cost multisensory paper and packaging applications

Printed electronics (PE) have developed into a megatrend in packaging, food, pharmaceutical, automotive and construction industries. Their applications are multiplying as consumer interaction, instant feedback, traceability or anti-counterfeit features are seamlessly integrated in new product lines. However, PE’s production is still expensive and often based on stand-alone solutions or specific application scenarios. That is why 40 research centres and companies joined in the PAPERONICS project to investigate the future of efficient, affordable and sustainable printing of electronic components directly on paper and plastics.

PAPERONICS was launched within the European CORNET (Collective Research Networking) framework and brought together organisations active in the field of paper, labels, cardboard, ink and printing technology, RFID tags, scavenger and encapsulation technology, software applications, design, as well as end users of packaging. The meetings took place between 2019 and early 2021.

As project’s initiators, we propose a gradual shift of smart packaging functionali