Displaybank Projects e-Paper Market to Soar to $2.1 Billion by 2015

Firm Explores Burgeoning e-Paper Market – Driven by Growing Adoption of e-Books

BUNDANG, South Korea, May 19 /PRNewswire/ — Displaybank, a global authority in market research and consulting for the display and solar industries, today announced that it projects the e-Paper market to grow from $70 million in 2008 to $2.1 billion in 2015 and $7 billion by 2020 — representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 47%. Displaybank also projects the e-Book market to comprise 50% of the total e-Paper market during that same period — growing from $35 million in 2008 to $1.1 billion in 2015 and $3.4 billion by 2020 — with the greatest regional demand coming from the U.S. These and other findings are disclosed in Displaybank’s newly published e-Paper Display Technology and Market Forecast Report, which is the first report of its kind focusing on the e-Paper market in comprehensive detail.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Peter Kwon, Displaybank CEO noted, “It’s nice to see that despite the current economic environment, certain technology applications are still gaining strong traction with consumers now, as well as present significant growth prospects in the coming years. The e-Paper market is a clear example of this, with e-Books representing a key ‘killer application’ that will take the merging of information and mobility to new heights. Being at the forefront of the display industry gives Displaybank a unique perspective on the exciting developments underway in the e-Paper market, and we look forward to seeing the continuing emergence of new technologies and applications to support this market.”

According to Displaybank, Amazon currently leads in the e-Book market based on the abundant content that it offers. The growth of the e-Book market depends on not only the specifications of the reading device, but also on the available content and service offerings. As a result, Displaybank predicts that Sony’s recently announced partnership with Google, the world’s largest digital content provider, will propel Sony back into the e-Book market and allow it to serve as a formidable challenger to Amazon.

In addition to the e-Book market, Displaybank foresees myriad applications for e-Paper display technology due to its flexibility, ability to process electronic information and low power consumption. These include mobile displays, public displays such as electronic billboards and advertisements, as well as smart cards, Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and Point of Purchase (POP) applications. Improvements in e-Paper display technology such as contrast ratio, color display and durability will be needed to support these and other future applications. For example, larger-scale information displays will require improved precision in color display, while outdoor displays will need improved durability against heat and impact.

e-Paper displays using glass substrates are currently mass produced by Taiwan-based PVI and Korea-based LG Display. According to Displaybank, the first maker to utilize flexible substrate in e-Paper display is expected to be LG Display. LG Display is currently developing amorphous silicon thin-film transistor (TFT) technology-based flexible e-Paper displays using a metal foil substrate in cooperation with E-ink. During the second half of 2009, Displaybank predicts that 11.5-inch flexible e-Paper displays will enter the market in mass production.

The strength of Displaybank’s new report is in its detailed analysis of the myriad e-Paper technology currently available along with regional R&D, technology and application trends. In addition, the report covers the necessary steps needed for performance enhancement through technology development and development factors, as well as product delivery forecasts. Coupled with a comprehensive forecast for both replacement and newly created markets, this report truly covers all aspects of e-Paper display technology, unlike any other.

The full version of this release is available at: http://www.displaybank.com/eng/info/sread.php?id=5272

Displaybank will be showcasing its entire Reports Lineup at Display Week 2009 (May 31 – June 5 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas) at its booth #335. In addition, Displaybank’s CEO, Peter Kwon, will be presenting on key issues and trends in the display industry at the Display Week Press Room (room 210A/B) on Tuesday, June 2 at 11:00 a.m.

About Displaybank

Displaybank is a global authority in market research and consulting for the display and solar industries. Headquartered in Bundang, Korea, Displaybank has solidified its position as the global leader in the display industry and solar market research by offering analysis based on rapid and accurate information sourcing in order to provide insights into the industry’s future. Displaybank’s analysts are located throughout Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and the U.S., and have been providing analysis in technological developments, market trends and forecasts for more than 10 years. For more information, visit: www.displaybank.com.

SOURCE Displaybank