Irrespective of whether an application of metallic or iriodine inks, flat, high-gloss and UV lacquering, spot lacquering, structural lacquering or safety colours are called for—quality manufacture of folding cartons or labels is a daily routine of the printing business. According to customer demand, blind, elevated or relief embossing, together with hot foil or cold foil embossing, enhance the appearance of contemporary packaging. Yet next to a striking design, additional functions are most frequently expected in the packaging of brand name articles, e.g., 2D barcodes or the use of RFID solutions. In other words, processes based on organic electronics, still alien to most service providers in the printing industry.

Nonetheless, printers of packaging materials are advised not to neglect this emerging sector as printed electronics harbours a huge potential for future application. Its technical processes are very much in their infancy, which affords a wonderful opportunity and stern challenge at the same time. At this point, only a handful of printing businesses have the technology to carry out complex projects based on organic electronics within print production.