Sustainability


solar-powered digital signage and e-paper devices such as e-readers or retail displays. Of course, there are challenges in the sustainable tech sector


which to date have somewhat created a lag in product design. Cost, performance and consumer awareness coming top. But ongoing advancements in technology and increasing consumer demand are driving down costs and improving efficiency, and now we have a market that is ready to grow substantially. Te advancements in sustainable display technologies happening now are set to shape the display industry’s future – for the better.


Consumers are ready Consumers are increasingly prioritizing environmentally responsible products, with a growing number willing to pay a premium for sustainable devices. Globally, more and more consumers are considering sustainability when making purchasing decisions with many actually preferring to buy from brands with strong environmental and ethical commitments. Tis is making sustainability a competitive advantage for tech brands, especially when promoting to Millennials and Gen Z, who are renowned for driving the sustainable trend, demanding greater accountability from companies. Many consumers now specifically look for certifications on


products, even going as far as to demand transparency in supply chains and product lifecycles, requiring information about materials, manufacturing processes, and recyclability. Tis is a top priority for businesses too as they look to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. In the display market, businesses are increasingly choosing displays with certifications like EPEAT and TCO. Fundamentally, a strong sustainability record is being seen as a marker of corporate responsibility and it is enhancing reputation, which not only has the legs to build trust and loyalty among eco-conscious consumers but is key for all stakeholders. Of course, on top of consumer demand, regulatory pressure is a


major consideration for manufacturers. Governments worldwide are introducing stricter environmental regulations. For example, the extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy requires manufacturers to design more eco-friendly products.


New energy efficient displays already making an impact Solar-powered digital signage operates entirely on renewable energy, reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering carbon footprints, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. E-paper devices consume minimal power, in fact, their efficiency can be up to 90% higher than traditional LCD or LED displays and are made with fewer toxic materials. Te great news is that applications for these sustainable


displays are expanding, creating a massive energy conscious display marketplace. Low-energy E-paper devices in particular are gaining traction, thanks to specialist companies developing tech innovations and many AV companies seeing the potential of changing their manufacturing priorities. New energy efficient display technology, such as, Reflective Liquid Crystal Display (RLCD) technology is overcoming the


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performance shortfalls that hinder the application and useability of current e-paper displays, while offering the environmentally friendly advantages over traditional transmissive or emissive displays like LCDs and OLEDs.


Introducing Reflective LCD RLCDs use ambient light for display visibility, reflecting light rather than emitting it. Tis eliminates the need for a power- hungry backlight, significantly reducing energy consumption. Tey are particularly energy-efficient in well-lit environments, such as offices or outdoor spaces, where ambient light is abundant. New products have the addition of a front light for use in darker environments and at night. Te front light can be activated whenever ambient brightness falls below a certain level. Te reduced energy demand in RLCD devices translates to


longer battery life for tablets, e-readers, and other portable electronics. Tis not only benefits users but also reduces the environmental impact of frequent charging, which relies on electricity oſten generated from non-renewable sources. Since RLCDs do not require backlighting, they generate less


heat compared to traditional LCDs and OLEDs. Tis helps in lowering cooling requirements in certain applications, indirectly reducing energy consumption. Te technology typically involves fewer heat-sensitive components, making it more durable in harsh environments. A longer product lifespan reduces e-waste by extending the useful life of the devices. RLCDs oſten use simpler designs with fewer components,


which can reduce reliance on rare earth metals or toxic materials used in backlit or emissive technologies. Te absence of harmful light emissions, such as blue light, make RLCDs safer for eye health, indirectly supporting sustainability by reducing health risks associated with extended use. Tey are also suited for integration into solar-powered devices


because of their low power requirements. Tis synergy supports sustainability by enabling off-grid operations, particularly in applications like outdoor signage and IoT devices.


Driving RLCD’s environmental impact As alluded to previously, RLCD technology is becoming a popular alternative for E-paper due to its superior performance abilities. It is being used in signage, tablets, and smart devices as an alternative to energy-intensive displays and increasingly being used in e-learning tools, reducing the carbon footprint of educational digital technologies. Tanks to RLCD technology, PC monitors and tablets can


now boast energy efficiency and the paper experience while also offering good colour performance, which has been significantly lacking or non-existent in most e-paper devices to date. RLCD technology ensures user experience can remain enjoyable while appeasing the demands of a greener world. It is also a major turning point for screen use eye care, making it highly appealable for children and anyone that suffers from extended periods in from of their screens. Tere is no doubt that energy-efficient products are the future.


Manufacturers appreciate this, consumers want it, and the tech industry as a whole need to be ready to embrace it.


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