Organic Electronics Forecasts, Players & Opportunities

This report has now been replaced by the new Organic & Printed Inorganic Electronics Forecasts, Players & Opportunities 2007-2027

Organic electronics involves thin film transistors and displays for electronic products, where the key component is organic and all parts are expected to be organic in due course. It cannot be understood on this narrow basis, however, because we now have organic lasers, fuel cells, batteries, photodetectors and much more besides, with every prospect that they will be co-deposited using similar inks at high speeds on similar, or the same, equipment. That means lower cost electronics and electrics, with greater reliability due to fewer interconnects and improved tolerance of damage. But the big picture also involves the replacement of most lighting with slimmer, flexible organic alternatives with lower costs and better environmental credentials.

 

The global market for organic electronics 2005-2025 $ billion

Source:IDTechEx

The big picture has to involve a twenty year timeframe because some of this will take a long time. Uniquely, this report encompasses all applications and that vital, long timeframe. Developers of inks, printing equipment and processes can now see the full scope of their opportunity.

 

The potential annual global sales of each type by 2020

Source: IDTechEx

 

IDTechEx finds that organic electronics will be a $30 billion business in 2015 mainly due to logic, displays and lighting. It will be a $250 billion business in 2025, with at least ten billion dollars sales from logic/ memory, OLED displays for electronic products, OLED billboard, signage etc, non-emissive organic displays, OLED lighting, batteries and photovoltaics, with sensors almost at that level. And almost all of these products will be printed, flexible, laminar constructions using the same or similar processes. Important other products such as laminar organic fuel cells and organic electrostatic and RF protection are also in the forecasts. The report also analyzes territorial trends and partnerships.

The market for organic electronics by territory in $ billion

Source:IDTechEx

 

Contrary to popular opinion, IDTechEx also finds that much of the new organic market will be newly created and not replacing anything electronic. Where existing electronic and electric products are impacted, the extent will be varied. Examples of needs by different industries and case studies are given.

 

IDTechEx believes that there are few other technologies that will have such an impact on industry in the next twenty years. Organic electronics in the form of smart packaging, electronic billboards, posters, signage and electronic books will impact the conventional printing and publishing industry. Organic lighting will severely dent sales of both incandescent and fluorescent lighting in the second decade from now.

 

IDTechEx sees a big mismatch between evolving market need and potential suppliers and their progress. IDTechEx spots the problems that are opportunities and summarises the thrust of a large number of today's participants in the organic electronic scene and, given the fact that the industry is drowning in jargon, the report incorporates the IDTechEx A to Z of Printed & Disposable Electronics.

 

Stuart Evans is CEO of Plastic Logic, one of the leading young companies in organic electronics. He is also a pioneer in RFID, having been founding CEO of Cotag International over 20 years ago.