Just the Facts - E-Paper & CO2

Just the Facts - E-Paper & CO2
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We collect lots of data, and some of that data relates to e-paper displays, otherwise known as electrophoretic displays or devices using electrowetting.  The technology behind these displays is simple, based on the movement of ink particles in an oil with an electric charge.  Once the ink particles have been moved, they stay in position, so the display uses no power until the image needs to be changed, making it ideal for situations where power is unavailable or not feasible.  While the average consumer might know e-paper based on the Amazon (AMZN) Kindle, the most popular application for e-paper is electronic shelf labels, which accounts for ~87% of e-paper unit volume.  These devices replace the paper price labels that have been used in stores for years, allowing prices to be changed at will and without any physical movement to create sales on overstocked items, give product information, or warn consumers about pending stockouts.
Signage is also becoming a target application for e-paper, and when compared to LCD displays or physical paper signage, the power saving capabilities of e-paper standout, and looking at the carbon emission impact of 32” paper advertisements, LCD displays, and e-paper on outdoor digital signage is even more impressive.  Here is how they compare, so from an environmental perspective there is not much else to say.  If you are looking to save the planet, e-paper displays are certainly an option.

• 100,000 e-paper billboards that run for 20 hours a day and update ads 20 times per hours for 5 years would reduce CO2 emissions by ~500,000 tons when compared to LCD displays.
• 100,000 e-paper billboards that run for 20 hours a day and update ads 20 times per hour for 5 years would reduce CO2 emissions by 4,000,000 tons when compared to paper displays.