PacPrint 2017, the print and graphic communication industry’s premier event, is demonstrating a commitment to smart manufacturing technologies and innovation which will deliver energy solutions to manufacturing industries across Australia – and Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change, has reinforced the State Government’s support for these technologies by officially opening the expo next week.
Among the latest technologies on display at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre will be the first public demonstration of new ‘printable’ solar energy panels developed by the University of Newcastle (UON).
Located on the lawn area between the MCEC and the Yarra River, the custom-built 100m2 pop-up site will allow the public to touch the material and walk through and under it, as well as introduce its potential to the 12,000 print industry professionals who are expected to attend PacPrint 2017.
Minister D’Ambrosio said, “This project is yet another great example of the innovative new energy technologies that we can develop here in Victoria with the right support. It’s good for local manufacturing, and it’s good for jobs.”
The organic solar cells module is an initiative from the Priority Research Centre for Organic Electronics (PRCOE) at UON. Organic solar cells are the third generation of solar technology and are produced via a printing process, making PacPrint the ideal place to host this display.
“The cost and speed at which this technology can be deployed is exciting, particularly in the current Australian energy context where we need to find solutions, and quickly, to reduce demand on base-load power,” says printed solar creator, UON’s Professor Paul Dastoor.
“Because of the manufacturing process used, these low-cost, light-weight cells have the potential to revolutionise the production of solar panels and solar energy, as well as helping to deliver a new ‘functional printing’ revenue stream for the printing industry.”
Print is the second-largest manufacturing industry in Australia generating $8 billion per annum. Comprising 5,294 businesses, small and large, across metropolitan and rural areas, it employs more than 240,000 people across the entire graphic communications chain, making it arguably Australia’s largest manufacturing employer.
Now, with technologies like printed solar, it is set to become a key provider of energy cells for the country.
Organic solar cells are only one example of the amazing applications of organic printed electronics being developed for a multitude of uses and, together with things like 3D printing, which is delivering opportunities across areas like Health, Education and Retail, technology is creating important new markets for print.
PacPrint 2017 will showcase the latest advances from more than 150 exhibitors across 8000 square metres of exhibition space, together with a future-focused professional Forum and Workshop program, at the MCEC from 23 – 26 May inclusive.
“We are delighted to be bringing a diverse range of world-leading technologies to PacPrint, including exciting developments like the organic solar initiative, which represents a tremendous opportunity for the sustainability and future of the print industry,” says Adrian Fleming, Chair of PacPrint 2017, adding, “The future for print looks bright indeed.”
Registration is open at https://www.infosalons.com.au/PACPRINT17M/index.php/.