The EPD market is growing because of the wide applications of EPDs in e-readers, e-newspapers, public displays, mobile displays, and digital signage. The market is among the fastest-growing technology markets in the global display market. EPDs are gaining popularity because of their advantages over other display technologies.

The top three segments based on application for the global e-paper display market are below:

E-readers

E-readers are very popular because they are easy to read and have high-contrast screens that enhance the look of printed pages. E-readers are the major application of EPD technology. They incorporate e-ink displays that mimic the appearance of ink on paper. Reading on e-readers is less strenuous for the eyes compared with reading on LED displays or LCDs.

According to Ujjwal Doshi, a lead publishing and advertising research analyst from Technavio, “E-ink displays do not consume much power when a text is on the screen. Energy is only consumed while flipping the pages. This is because the electric charge rearranges the e-ink to display the text. Reading on traditional LCDs can be problematic as the screen light drains the battery in the gadget.”

Mobile displays

The EPD technology is increasingly being used as an add-on feature in smartphones. The EPD technology uses reflective e-ink that provides clear visibility with low power consumption. Users can read on mobile phones without hurting their eyes while reading or worrying about the battery draining.

“Many smartphone companies, such as Yota, have integrated EPD technology in their smartphones to enhance the battery life. It allows users to read for more than 100 hours, which is equal to saving four zillion times of energy compared with active-matrix organic LED (AMOLED) screens in bright sunlight,” says Ujjwal.

Public displays

EPDs are used in smart city displays. They are flexible and can be mounted on rounded surfaces, such as pillars in an underground network or the corners of buildings. This allows for greater media opportunities compared with traditional displays. Smart public displays with EPD technology provide more interactive advertising with more detailed information.

E-paper public displays are durable and reliable. Smart EPDs offer protection against moisture, UV rays, and flame. These displays are designed to last for more than 10 years in normal periods of operation. This reduces long-term maintenance and replacement costs.