eCoupled, a leader in intelligent wireless power, and Fulton Innovation have partnered to develop a printing ink and induction coil system that makes packaging more intelligent and eye-catching.

The ink can be printed in the form of functional circuits as well as in the form of colors on the surface of the package that can be illuminated when triggered by the ink-circuit control. An induction coil on the store shelf supplies power that runs the circuit and illuminates the colored inks. The circuit can illuminate the package in predetermined patterns. The system operates with approximately 80% energy efficiency. The induction coil is installed on the shelf so only the product in the front is powered, minimizing energy waste.

Fulton Innovation is looking to partner with home furnishing and appliance companies for the other half of the product’s functionality and value. When the product is placed on a shelf or in a refrigerator with an installed induction coil, for example, the system can download information embedded in the printed circuit in the product, such as freshness date and nutritional information. If the system is web-enabled, it can inventory available ingredients and make recipe suggestions.

I used a food example, but the printed ink/induction coil pairing could be useful for any type of consumer product at point-of-sale and in the home. One representative estimated that it cost approximately $0.20 to print the circuitry and illuminating ink onto the cereal box. Pricing depends on many technical and business factors.