E-paper: a flexible digital poster

Is the era of paper posters truly over with the arrival of e-papers? And is digital signage completely overrated, now that e-papers are entering the picture? The fact is: this emerging technology clearly offers many advantages and has developed significantly in recent years. We are happy to share some of the key advantages and concerns of e-papers in this blog.

What is an e-paper?

To start with, let us define what an e-paper is. An e-paper, also known as electronic paper or a digital poster, is a display technology that mimics the appearance of ink on paper. It is static, just like a traditional poster. This means that no animation or movement of any kind is possible. 

However, the major advantage over a regular poster is that this static display is digital. This means that – if the displayed content is no longer relevant – you can quickly upload new content. The 'canvas' remains the same, but the content – what you show– is easy to update.

E-paper versus LCD

We are often asked whether e-paper will replace traditional LCD screens. The answer here clearly: no it isn’t ;-). 

Digital signage is much more dynamic thanks to the ability to display moving images, animations, and videos, and to schedule multiple items in a continuous content loop. 

By contrast, e-paper is a static medium, and is therefore more of an alternative to static poster communication. For instance, people often don’t refer to ‘inches’ when talking about e-paper, but instead use familiar paper sizes like A1, A2 and A3.

So as far as we’re concerned, e-paper is more of a complement – and certainly not a replacement – for digital signage.

Advantages of an e-paper

Sustainable and energy-efficient

The biggest advantage is easy to guess: an e-paper is an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to the paper poster communication. It helps reduce paper waste and is also very energy-efficient. As soon as the content is displayed, an e-paper no longer needs power and therefore does not consume energy! 

Flexible use

Since the e-paper no longer needs power once the new content is uploaded, you can place it anywhere in your shop or business (no need for a power plug nearby). This offers tremendous flexibility and allows you to highlight a particular product or communicate a promo in a particular shop area.

Beautiful image quality

Although the technology has been around for some time, it has evolved rapidly and improved significantly in recent years. Today, e-paper offers a particularly wide colour spectrum, making it a full-fledged alternative to traditional poster communication. Thanks to this wide colour gamut, e-paper provides the perfect canvas for displaying high-quality content. 

Did you know: although the vast majority of e-papers are currently designed for indoor use, at EuroCIS we also spotted an e-paper from DynaScan that can be used in a shop window. One of the few e-paper solutions currently suited for that purpose.

Quickly adaptable

Since the content is displayed digitally, customisation is quick and easy. With a USB stick, you can upload new content, which becomes visible on the e-paper within 10 to 30 seconds. 

This process may become even more user-friendly in the future. For example, many manufacturers are already exploring the use of Content Management Systems (CMS), so that content can be managed centrally. To be continued!

Various applications

E-paper can be used in a wide range of markets and applications. From digital price tags in retail to menu boards in restaurants, promotional displays, or even digital name tags outside patient rooms. This makes it a promising product that could eventually replace much of today’s paper poster communication.

And while current e-paper formats range from 13" to 32", work is actively underway behind the scenes to develop larger formats as well. So over time, even more applications will become possible!

Is E-paper conquering the market?

There is already considerable buzz around this technology, and we too believe that e-papers will gradually find their way into a variety of markets, including retail. Technology is advancing quickly, and with the emergence of new formats and robust content management systems, e-papers are set to replace many paper posters – making them a sustainable addition to the digital signage landscape ;-).