Digital signage has become an essential part of modern communication strategies, guiding customers in airports and shopping centers, displaying information in bus stations, pricing at gas stations, and advertising in both outdoor and indoor settings, among many other applications.

Traditionally, digital signage has relied on LED and LCD technologies. E-paper leverages ultra-low power, reflective display technology, offering a transformative approach to digital signage, that combines eco-friendliness with remarkable readability and power efficiency.  

What is Digital Signage?

Signage refers to visual displays used to communicate information, advertise products, or provide way-finding and other messages to an audience. Signs can be digital or static and are commonly used across various industries, including retail, transportation, hospitality, healthcare, education, and more.

Challenges of Traditional Digital Signage Technologies

Digital signage solutions relying on LED or LCD displays require a constant supply of electricity, making them power-hungry and costly, especially in large-scale applications. They are also less environmentally-friendly, as both the raw materials and manufacturing processes used in the production of these technologies, tend to have higher carbon footprints compared to, for example, Ynvisible’s e-paper displays.

The signage industry currently faces several challenges, especially as technologies evolve and customer expectations increase. These challenges can vary depending on the type of technology and application.

The primary challenges in the signage industry range from technological challenges, such as power consumption, to cost challenges, including initial investment and maintenance costs, to environmental and operational challenges, such as temperature sensitivity, visibility, and outdoor conditions.  

Additionally, there are also growing sustainability-related concerns related to the display technologies used in digital signage, with a clear need to reducing e-waste and choosing more energy-efficient technologies.

Why Choose E-Paper Displays for Digital Signage

Ynvisible develops sustainable, thin, flexible, low-energy displays based on e-paper technology.  

E-paper displays are reflective, which gives them an important advantage in readability, especially in outdoor environments with direct sunlight. Furthermore, Ynvisible’s e-paper displays require minimal energy, making them suitable for digital signage applications, especially in remote areas.

E-paper offers several distinct advantages over traditional or competing digital signage technologies, making it a smart choice for businesses aiming to optimize both performance and sustainability.

• Ultra-low power: E-paper displays are ideal for battery-powered or remote devices, as they consume minimal power

• Cost-effective: In the long-term, e-paper displays are cheaper in comparison to other similar technologies

• Suitable for energy-sensitive applications: Power efficiency is critical in remote monitoring, IoT devices or solar-powered devices. Ynvisible’s displays are designed to support these applications and require less frequent maintenance.

• Environmental responsibility: Ynvisible’s technology reduces energy consumption, as well as waste; in addition, the materials and manufacturing processes associated with Ynvisible’s technology have a lower carbon footprint than competing technologies.  

Powering E-Paper Displays in Digital Signage Solutions

Powering Ynvisible’s printed e-paper displays is easier and requires less energy than other solutions. Ynvisible’s e-paper displays are low maintenance and don’t require continuous power compared with other technologies that need constant charging or recharging. Based on the application, Ynvisible’s displays can be:

-> powered by direct connection to the grid, consuming less power and generating energy savings;

-> battery powered, making them ideal for large IoT devices where power outlets are not easily accessible;

-> and/or solar powered, a sustainable alternative especially for remote areas and applications such as signs for bus stops.

Below you can find a comprehensive chart with the power consumption of Ynvisible’s e-paper display digital signage solutions.

Applications for E-paper Displays in Digital Signage

Digital signage solutions can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments, across a variety of industries. From retail to public information to supply chain and more, digital signage streamlines communication for end-users and adds real value to brands and consumers.

E-paper displays can be integrated into many different signage solutions thanks to the benefits presented above. The main applications of e-paper displays for digital signage can be categorized as follows:  

• Signage in Remote Locations

Ynvisible’s e-paper display technology is the ideal choice for solar-powered digital signage in rural areas, parks, trails and other remote or off-the-grid locations. The displays can operate seamlessly using small solar panels or energy-harvesting solutions, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or battery replacements.  

• Battery-Powered IoT Devices

Many IoT devices require displays to share data such as environmental readings, alerts, or system status indication. Ynvisible’s e-paper displays are  providing long-lasting operation on minimal battery power, while also being thin and flexible and not interfering with the smooth design of the product.  

• Public Information Displays

Ynvisible’s e-paper displays can be used for public information boards used in bus stops, airports, hospitals or gas stations. These displays can function for extended periods without a constant power supply, making them reliable during power outages or in off-grid communities, and they can be updated in real time. Furthermore, because Ynvisible’s displays are reflective, they are also easily readable in bright light conditions.  

• Emergency and Disaster Response Equipment

During emergencies or natural disasters, access to power can be extremely limited. E-paper displays are a low-energy solution for portable emergency communication devices, medical equipment, and temporary signage.  

This makes this technology ideal for equipment that needs to function reliably in unpredictable conditions, supporting critical response efforts, without the need for constant recharging.

• Retail Price Tags and Shelf Labels

Supermarkets, small shops, pop-up stores – they all use price tags and shelf labels. Replacing traditional shelf labels with electronic shelf labels for example, can reduce overall energy consumption and waste associated with paper-based labels, while making it much easier to update pricing and product information in real time.

As more organizations seek eco-friendly alternatives to traditional digital displays, e-paper is poised to become an increasingly popular choice. Reflective displays that consume minimal energy and excel in readability make e-paper a compelling option for the future of digital signage.  

How to get started with E-paper Displays for Digital Signage

Ready to start with e-paper displays? Reach out to our colleagues or order your first kit here.