NEWS

(09/03/2015 / rkj)

Taking a glimpse into the future of print and paper

Printed batteries, posters capable of detecting touch, WiFi-blocking and noise-absorbing paper, these are just a selection of innovations brought together by the ‘Paper Evolutions: Exploring digital and physical paper futures’ exhibition hosted by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland on September 9th in Finland.

The collaborative exhibition ‘Paper Evolutions: Exploring digital and physical paper futures’ showcases cutting-edge print and paper innovations taken from European companies and R&D centres. The exhibition aims to showcase some of the most interesting print, paper and fibre innovations taken from across Europe, and explore a range of diverse applications these materials could have.

Our 16 exhibits include packaging that incorporates sensors and links with your mobile, posters that are capable of detecting human touch and printed batteries. But beyond the technology, the exhibition seeks to explore how fibres from a range of materials could offer socially conscious solutions - such as fibres made from recycled cacao beans and smart packaging that informs allergy sufferers of potentially harmful ingredients.

‘Paper Evolutions’ is a collaborative exhibition that brings together work from members of the COST Action FP1104, which focuses on innovating print media and packaging and a ‘PAPER Breakthroughs’ publication. This travelling exhibition explores innovative paper and cardboard concepts and their potential for society, beyond the discussion digital versus paper alone. The exhibitors come from Finland, the Czech Republic, Germany, the UK, France, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Anu Seisto, chair of COST Action FP1104 and Research Team Leader at VTT said: “The aim of our COST network has been to bring together people with user, technology, business or game research backgrounds to discuss and innovate different combinations of fibre-based materials and digital services. This exhibition showcases some possibilities that have been taken forward by our member institutes. It’s been intriguing to see how ideas evolve with combining and sharing expertise.”

Heidy van Beurden of PAPER Breakthroughs, added: “It is fascinating that paper, one of the oldest materials known, addresses many societal challenges today. Not many people expect this from paper. And even more interesting, these innovations are tackled by multiple sectors. The PAPER Breakthrough book and exhibition brought together expertise from engineers, architects, ICT professionals and designers, linking production chains with 3D printing techniques and reuse of materials. These paper innovations are simply solutions to be shared with all accelerators of knowledge.”

John Mills, researcher at the Media Innovation Studio and developer of the EKKO and Interface exhibit, said: “It’s been wonderful to see the huge range of technologies and possibilities come together over the last few weeks and months. Our exhibits here hope to inspire, challenge and delight. Taken from a range of countries, companies and researchers, they demonstrate what is possible for products, services and digital connectivity. And, perhaps most importantly, they hope to fire the imagination.”

The exhibition is being held in conjunction with the IARIGAI conference http://iarigai-helsinki.vtt.fi/

Exhibition catalogue: http://mediainnovationstudio.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Paper-Evolutions.pdf

ipw attended the event and will report on it in the next issue!