Novalia: printed electronics for packaging and toys
As reported here, the UK start-up Novalia
expects to launch its patented electronic card game by the end of 2006.
Printed electronics company Novalia is in advanced discussions with a printing company to produce the electronics on the cards. […]
Stone [Nick Stone, founder of Novalia] says that it is likely Novalia will be working with packaging companies and other end users within the next year and use the same technology on promotional packaging.
Stone is looking at various printing methods for the cards and says they could be printed using litho printing, screen printing or flexography. […]
Novalia had considered licensing out the technology but has instead decided to provide the printing company with the electronic technology. This decision will enable Novalia to work with other packaging and toy companies and provide them with the technology first hand.
Possible packaging applications could include a cereal box that could be cut up to form part of an electronic card game. […]
Stone says that the next stage of advancement will be to print the batteries, display and transistors as part of the process, although this will be some time in the future.
By using existing printing technology and focusing on simple applications, Novalia aims to keep costs low and allow the technology to progress more quickly.