Samsung Electronics has launched a 13-inch Color E-Paper display, a global first for its innovative use of a housing partially derived from phytoplankton. The new EM13DX model expands the company’s digital signage lineup, offering businesses a paper-thin, ultra-low-power alternative to traditional printed posters and labels.
The 13-inch display is the smallest model in the series and is intended for compact locations such as retail shelves, counters, and doors. Comparable in size to A4 paper, it offers a 4:3 aspect ratio and a 1,600 × 1,200 pixel resolution.
The company states that the housing is the first globally to incorporate a bio-resin made from phytoplankton. UL has independently verified that the casing contains 45% recycled plastic and 10% phytoplankton-based bio-resin.
Hyoung Jae Kim, executive vice president of Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business, said the use of phytoplankton-based bio-resin reflects the company’s focus on advancing both display technology and the materials used to build it. He added that the Color E-Paper range is intended to replace paper through ultra-low power operation and slim, lightweight designs.
According to Samsung, switching to this bio-material instead of standard plastics can lower manufacturing carbon emissions by over 40%. The company says it’s also ditched plastic packaging altogether, opting for 100% paper instead.
The display consumes no power when showing a static image and only uses energy during content updates, resulting in lower power usage and operating costs than conventional digital signage. It weighs 0.9 kg, is 17.9 mm thick, and features an embedded battery with USB Type-C support for cable-free use and simple repositioning.
Samsung has equipped the display with a color imaging algorithm designed to optimize color fidelity and readability for a paper-like appearance. Content management is supported through local updates using iOS and Android apps, as well as remote control via the company’s cloud-based VXT platform, which includes color accuracy and preview tools.
Samsung also said it plans to unveil a 20-inch Color E-Paper display at the ISE 2026 trade show in Barcelona. The new model will sit alongside the existing 32-inch version and the newly launched 13-inch display, expanding the lineup for a wider range of business uses.
Maybe you would like other interesting articles?