This technology has been in development for over a decade* and is now seeing widespread use.* It works by combining organic, thin film transistors (TFT) with organic, electroluminescent displays. This produces flexible, paper-thin devices barely 0.3mm in thickness. Early applications included the first e-readers, but more sophisticated products have now emerged, some capable of running high-quality video. Ultra-thin smartphones, clothing and textiles with electronic displays, video ID cards, video leaflets, road signs that are self-illuminating, video instructions on food and other packaging – these are just some of the items to feature this technology. Further development leads to much greater contrast ratio – resembling printed paper more than a screen (the latter is hard to see in direct sunlight). This technology also marks a step towards the paperless office, which in turn will reduce deforestation.
