Researchers from the University of Sheffield in England have developed interactive electronic screens in a move to revolutionise the packaging industry.
The screens were created in collaboration with technology company Novalia.
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Designed to be attached to paper-based packaging, the screens will display simple messages to customers while eliminating the need for reading a label.
Sheffield University Department of Physics and Astronomy professor David Lidzey said: "Labels on packaging could become much more innovative, and allow customers to interact with and explore new products.
"The use of displays or light emitting panels on packaging will also allow companies to communicate brand awareness in a more sophisticated manner."
Potential applications of the new solution include greetings cards and other products that require similar interactions.
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By GlobalDataNovalia source Chris Jones said: "The paper-based packaging industry is worth billions of dollars.
"This innovative system we have developed with the University of Sheffield could give manufacturers a way to gain market share by being able to distinguish its products from competitors."
Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the research will now look into further developments, such as a countdown timer on the side of a packet to indicate when the product was manufactured.
The researchers also plan to create organic displays on a plastic substrate to be fixed onto the electronic tracks.
