ESMA and 33 other companies support and collaborate in the CORNET project PAPERONICS, in which researchers from Flanders and Germany investigate smart labels and intelligent packaging to improve conventional packages and to optimise logistics. Additive printing processes are researched to integrate functional electronics on packaging materials. In the first project year, suitable fibre-based materials were selected and characterised for printability of an easy-scalable HF RFID antenna (screen and aerosol jet printing) connected to a thin-film microchip. This concept is being integrated in two interactive smart packaging demonstrators. In parallel, the integration of OPV for energy and printed sensors and actuators was researched together with various encapsulation strategies, aiming at the development of an anti-tampering demonstrator. Finally, the use of thermo-responsive elements on paper substrates was tested for the development of a printed temperature threshold indicator. In the next phase, the demonstrators will be further developed and validated for electrical performance and reliability (e.g. during weathering and transport). In addition, the feasibility of roll-to-roll printing processes (e.g. flexo, rotogravure) and the end-of-life options will be investigated.
The final user committee meeting is planned by the end of 2020. ESMA will report on the project results.
