Green Technologies Book Features First Packaging with Solar Cell-Powered OLED

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Green Production Technologies is the title of a new compendium of German innovators and market leaders in the area of efficient technology. The 600-page publication was initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and edited by the German Engineering Association (VDMA). The European-based STI Group was commissioned with designing and producing a limited edition slipcase that "turns the book into something extra special." The highlight is a solar cell-powered OLED that illuminates a portion of the slipcase and represent the world's first integration of this futuristic technology into the packaging of today.

OLEDs stand out for their extraordinary energy efficiency, STI notes. They also produce their light without any backlighting, with light distributed along the entire surface of the OLED. With normal LEDs the light is created from one single point. The light source is powered by a single solar cell integrated into the spine of the book. The system was developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems in Dresden, Germany.

The book is packaged using environmentally friendly corrugated paper made of FSC-certified material and enhanced with various varnish effects, including an open-face corrugated inlay to offer an interesting contrast. The slipcase houses the entire OLED technology, including solar cell and cabling.

The STI Group also handled the assembly work for the complex units. "For our company, taking part in this future-oriented project is part of our philosophy of innovation. Cooperation with leading technology partners makes it possible for us to deliver future-looking packaging that adds value for our customers," reports Dr. Frank Ohle, Chairman of the Board at the STI Group. "At the same time we are glad to help support a commitment to sustainability, since we in our corporate group are also striving for a harmony between ecology and economy."