In the early days of large format displays, the environmental argument was straightforward. It was widely accepted that digital displays reduce paper use, save money on printing, consumables and foster collaboration. A slam dunk? Possibly, but right now the issue is far more nuanced, with the production and use life cycle – starting with display design and manufacturing, and extending to operating costs, recycling and disposal. Has the large format sector done enough to support sustainability? And how will it continue to evolve going forward?
Notwithstanding progress in the development of LED technology, Nick Belcore, Executive VP, Peerless-AV believes that the pro AV industry still has a tremendous opportunity to follow several initiatives used by other industries to improve its ecosystem and contribute to global sustainability. One such initiative is the concept of a ‘circular economy,’ which emphasises the development of refurbishment programs. These programs help extend the life of products and systems originally sold as new but which may require updates or improvements to be resold in the used market.
By reducing the need for new manufacturing cycles, this initiative helps decrease the waste incurred by the production process, ultimately conserving valuable resources and reducing the environmental footprint. Selling products through sustainable supply chains is equally critical to fostering a healthier ecosystem. This involves ensuring compliance with ESG standards, which guarantee that products are produced, transported, and disposed of, in a way that minimises harm to the planet and its inhabitants. “As an example, Peerless-AV’s sustainability efforts, including our Mount Recycling Program for the hospitality industry, which helps divert old mounts from landfills through reuse and recycling, play a key role in this initiative. Our goal is to reduce waste and carbon emissions by giving products a second life, demonstrating that sustainability is not just a concept, but a tangible practice”, says Belcore.
Sustainable packaging is another significant step forward. By using recyclable, reusable, or compostable materials, we reduce waste and ensure that products are packaged to minimise harm to the environment. “At Peerless-AV, we are constantly improving our packaging solutions to ensure that they can be reused or repurposed to reduce environmental impact. We also emphasise the importance of working with partners who share our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that all stakeholders in the supply chain adhere to these high environmental standards”.
Eco VadisAchievements in sustainability are marked by the award of the globally recognised Eco Vadis programme. One such Award has been presented to the PPDS parent company, and for its Philips Professional Displays subsidiary, TPV Technology. The group has been awarded with an EcoVadis Platinum Medal – affirming its position as one of the world’s top 1% most sustainable electronics manufacturers. The Award is recognition of the supplier as one of the world’s most sustainable and socially responsible organisations and aligns PPDS’ unparalleled commitment to addressing impact both on people and on the planet, together with the risks and opportunities tied to the display industry and business sustainability.
EcoVadis is a globally recognised and trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, overseeing detailed assessments of a company’s yearly sustainability performance in areas such as Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Founded in 2007, EcoVadis has screened more than three million companies across 185 countries, with 150,000 achieving either a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum medal based on a meticulous scoring and percentile system.
With an unparalleled commitment to creating long term value for employees, customers, suppliers, and communities, TPV Technology has been working with EcoVadis since 2021. Stefan van Sabben, Global Director CSR and Sustainability at TPV Technology, commented: “We have now advanced to the top one per cent of all assessed companies, a significant achievement that reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. Examples can be found at every level of the business and our channels, from the factory floor to the ongoing performance of our products long after our customers have installed them. We believe a company’s value lies not only in its business success but also in the positive impact it creates for people and society.”
Caring and sharing
With teams around the world all committed to strengthening societal commitments, teams at TP Vision, MMD-Monitors and Displays, AOC, and PPDS, continue to seek new ways and opportunities to support the people, charities and communities they operate in through TPV Cares. Set up in 2022, TPV Cares is the home of TPV’s social and environmental impact initiatives, providing a range of resources, including audiovisual products, financial donations, and volunteer support to deserving projects in more than 200 countries.
From taking on gruelling tasks, such as endurance walks, marathons, and mountain climbs, collectively, PPDS, TP Vision, MMD Monitors and Displays, and AOC provide vital funds and solutions – including Philips TVs, interactive and signage displays, speakers, headphones and desktop monitors – making a difference to the lives of many. A recent example is TPV Cares’ work with FC Barcelona’s Barça Foundation, which included PPDS donating €20 for every visitor who registered their attendance at the Philips booth at ISE 2024, raising significant funds to support the charity’s life changing initiatives and projects. Stefan van Sabben added, “We are incredibly proud to have been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum rating, and the work continues. With a 40-year history in the global display industry and as a leading display solution provider, we feel it is our duty to continually set new standards. The recognition from EcoVadis validates those efforts and will help buyers make more informed decisions when choosing their solutions and achieving their sustainability goals and ambitions.”
I3 Connect/ions
Prior to its merger with i3-Technologies, CTOUCH had already built a formable reputation for its work on sustainability. The company shares the circularity approach adopted by TPV: “Global warming is a fact and there’s no time to waste. So, we are on a mission to be the most sustainable touchscreen manufacturer in Europe. We go the extra eco mile by lowering our CO2 footprint by 60% and increasing our circularity by 25% in 2025. CTOUCH passionately takes the lead in reducing the industry’s ecological footprint. We believe sustainability is much more than recycling. Therefore, our sustainability mission covers each life-cycle phase of our products and company: from raw material acquisition to factory processes, and from the use-phase to the end-of-life phase. This way, we take responsibility for all of our environmental and sustainability impacts.”
Like TRV, I3 Connect has received numerous national and international ratings, including ISO 14001 helps to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals. ISO 14001 is an international standard which specifies the requirements for an effective environmental management system. ISO 14001 contributes to a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals. The manufacturing facility from which our products are procured has an ISO 14001 certification since 2015, by which it takes concrete steps to reduce the negative environmental impacts. To maintain this certification, the factory is audited on a yearly basis. “We want to take the next step by also obtaining an ISO 14001 certification for CTOUCH as a company. By obtaining this certificate, we can prove that our company is aware of the environmental risks posed through our activities and that we are taking active steps to reduce these risks.”
Post merger, i3 Connect has adopted and continued many of CTouch sustainability objectives: “Another year of driving positive change, another chapter in our sustainability journey! For the first time, this report reflects on our progress through the lens of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Discover how we pioneer sustainable touchscreen solutions while fostering social responsibility, ethical practices and a fair supply chain. Our commitment to making a meaningful impact on our planet and its people remains steadfast. This year was a year of changes, but changes we believe to be for the better. CTouch is now part of i3-Technologies, making it a part of something greater than we could’ve ever thought. Sustainability is still at the forefront of our now joint mission and with our strengths combined, we’re poised to create an even greater impact. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From sourcing raw materials responsibly to sustainable packaging, efficient transportation, energy-saving product usage, refurbishment, and eco-conscious end-of-life disposal – We thoughtfully assess our environmental impact throughout every stage of our product life cycle.”
Greener technology
Aside from steps to make existing technologies more sustainable, some manufacturers have introduced new display technologies which are inherently more sustainable. Early monochrome examples of e-paper displays have been joined by colour models which make them suitable for a wide range of applications, and even video-capable e-paper displays are on the way. Samsung’s Colour E-Paper delivers new levels of energy efficiency: “For commercial displays, it is crucial to address the market’s demand for energy efficiency and simple device management, while at the same time meeting the public’s desire for immersive experiences,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.
Samsung Colour E-Paper (EMDX model) redefines energy-efficient digital signage by combining digital ink with innovative full-colour e-paper technology. This ultra-low power, lightweight and slim display serves as an eco-conscious alternative to traditional analogue and paper-based promotional materials while delivering the high visibility and functionality that businesses demand. Leveraging advanced digital ink technology, the EMDX operates at 0.00W power when displaying static images, while consuming significantly less energy during image transitions compared to traditional digital signage, resulting in substantial cost savings. The ultra-slim and lightweight design ensures effortless installation, while the range of sizes — 13 (1,600 x 1,200); 25(3,200 x 1,800); 32QHD (2,560 x 1,440); and an outdoor version that is 75 5K (5,120 x 2,880) — are optimised to cater to diverse business needs.
The Colour E-Paper also includes a rechargeable 5000mAh battery, two USB-C ports for charging and data transfer, 8GB of memory, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support for enhanced connectivity. For seamless device management, a dedicated mobile app allows users to remotely operate displays, schedule wake-up and sleep times, and even set playlists with predefined intervals. Samsung VXT (Visual eXperience Transformation) further simplifies content operation with a feature exclusive to the Samsung Colour E-Paper. A specialised algorithm optimises content visibility for the display and includes a preview function to ensure content and colour are accurate before deployment. Content management is made simple through the mobile app and Samsung VXT, with businesses also able to use their own solutions through Tizen Enterprise APIs, which enable easy integration with existing management systems.
Zero Watts to hero?
As another major display manufacturer it came as no real surprise to see Sharp NEC enter the signage fray with the announcement of its colour e-posters that can maintain displayed images with zero Watts of power consumption. These new colour models of its ePoster electronic paper displays were introduced with Sharp branding. Two sizes were released: the 25.3-inch EP-C251 and 13.3-inch EP-C131 models. These units feature the electronic paper technology of E Ink Holdings Inc, the world’s commercial leader in the electronic paper field, now offering support for colour displays.
In addition to high visibility, the powerful graphic capabilities provided by ePoster’s rich colour have been added to the display, greatly expanding the range of potential usage scenarios. Power is required only to rewrite the display, and once rendered, the displayed image can be maintained even if the power is turned off. In addition, these units are thin and lightweight, enabling easy mounting simply by hanging with a wire. They can be used in places where it has been previously difficult to install digital signage due to issues such as connection to a power source and load capacity. They can also serve as replacements for printed paper posters. They will prove useful for a wide variety of applications, including as location directories and informational signage as well as advertising displays in commercial spaces and retail stores, and to display menus in restaurants.
The content displayed can be easily updated using a USB flash drive and can also be rewritten via a smartphone app. Plus, when combined with e-Signage S, Sharp’s proprietary software system for content distribution and management (sold separately), the display can be updated over a network, making managing and operating the display smooth and easy, including updating content on multiple display units at one time, specifying the updating date and time, and more. Sharp will continue to innovate information dissemination in the carbon-neutral era via ePoster, which achieves display image retention while consuming zero watts of power. However, there are some limitations – only still images can be displayed. Video playback is not supported. Bringing all the advantages of digital signage to static poster installations, Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe is broadening its range of ePaper products. Sharp NEC is using its energy-efficient ePaper technology to develop larger sizes and outdoor-compatible solutions, which deliver outstanding visual quality with a paper-like surface, without consuming energy during content playback.
In very bright environments, the Sharp ePaper display impresses with remarkably brilliant images in full colour, enhanced by ACeP performance. Comparable to paper, there is no blue light nor reflection, creating a comfortable viewing experience. With no backlight, the ePaper display has no power demands when displaying content and only requires minimal power when content changes. The many possible applications include information boards, point of sale promotions, wayfinding and menu boards – wherever static content changes frequently. Featuring an integrated System on Chip (SoC), the configuration of the device settings and the display of new content is easy and flexible through selected CMS partners or via USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, using an intuitive online tool or an app for mobile devices. “The Sharp ePaper display is generating a lot of interest and receiving industry recognition for its significant potential for the carbon-neutral future of digital signage,” explains Martin Lienau, Product Manager at Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe. “We are excited to explore the wide application opportunities for this new technology which prioritises sustainability by using recycled components and conserving resources, but also delivers the quality, reliability and durability that our customers expect. We anticipate and welcome many interesting conversations at ISE around our Sharp ePaper exhibit!”
At ISE 2025 in Barcelona, the A0-size Sharp ePaper display was integrated into a totem featuring solar power, battery storage and wireless communication functions. This solution eliminates the need for cabling and is suitable for outdoor signage use. This innovative solution for DOOH (Digital Out-of-Home) applications was awarded the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, in recognition of its outstanding energy saving performance and suitability for displaying emergency information without reliance on a power supply.
LED sustainability
While e-paper / e-poster displays obviously offer substantial sustainability benefits, video capabilities are at a very early stage of development. Samsung showed a small-scale (10.2 inches) video capable e- paper display ay ISE 2025). Fortunately, LED display technology has undergone something of a transformation of late, blending cutting-edge hardware with intelligent software to create more immersive, energy-efficient, interactive and sustainable experiences. C; transparent LED Screens are popular in retail, as they allow digital content to overlay physical environments, enhancing in-store experiences while enabling sound to pass through for stage and even applications; Flexible and stretchable LED displays unlock creative formats like curved, cubic, and wraparound displays; and, finally, LED overlays which can be used to add depth and 3D-like effects to signage, creating dynamic storytelling environments.
Like e-paper and e-posters, the principal sustainability benefits of many innovations are reductions in energy usage. Flip-Chip and ColdLED technologies both reduce power consumption and limit heat generation, while maintaining the brightness and colour fidelity often demanded for commercial applications. In addition, these technologies also extend display lifespans, with the consequential sustainability advantages. As previously discussed, sustainability starts with the design and manufacturing of displays and here we are seeing more attention to sustainability from the outset. For example, Sony’s BRAVIA Professional series now incorporates recycled materials in their production, and their design incorporates ambient light sensors to optimise energy use. Further benefits can be had from the use of cloud-based software platforms, which enable remote scheduling, control, and updates across multiple locations, ensuring consistent branding and efficient operations without additional environmental impact of manufacturing, shipping and disposal of extra hardware.
Conclusion
The last few years have seen a sea-change in the environmental awareness of businesses and publicly funded organisations. The transition to digital in, for example, education has seen digital displays in classrooms drastically cut down on paper waste. Primary school students, alone, generate 45kg of paper waste annually. Digital displays enable paperless, collaborative learning and working environments. Now the debate has moved on. There is a growing understanding that digital displays are not a universal panacea. Displays often run continuously at high brightness, especially in public or education settings, leading to increased electricity use and carbon emissions. Lack of scheduling or automated controls exacerbates wasteful energy use.
So, it’s so much more of an issue of digital versus analogue – it is more a case of which digital solution is both effective and sustainable? Continuous operation increases electricity bills, especially in large networks like schools or airports. Energy-efficient hardware (e.g., LED panels, SoC displays) and centralised control systems are known to reduce costs. The end-user’s consideration of environmental impact starts way before installation and operation. Displays contain metals, plastics, and electronics that are resource-intensive to produce. Without proper recycling programs, they contribute to landfill waste. Modular designs and take-back programs can help reduce this impact. Smart LED displays are said to consume up to 80% less power than traditional designs. Smart LED designs include sensors for ambient light adjustment and sleep modes.
Ultimately, sustainability depends on ethical sourcing, responsible manufacturing, energy efficiency and recyclability. As an industry we have already made significant progress: LED displays are more energy-efficient and safer than neon or incandescent alternatives, consuming up to 80% less energy and lasting over 100,000 hours. Moving on, MicroLED displays offer ultra-low pixel pitch and superior resolution. They are also highly energy-efficient and long-lasting, ideal for large-scale signage, plus lower operational costs and reduced carbon footprint. While there is undoubtedly further to go in the drive to net zero, progress has been both significant and continuous. Like e-paper and e-posters, the principal sustainability benefits of many innovations are reductions in energy usage. Flip-Chip and ColdLED technologies both reduce power consumption and limit heat generation, while maintaining the brightness and colour fidelity often demanded for commercial applications. Ultimately, sustainability currently depends on ethical sourcing, responsible manufacturing, energy efficiency and recyclability.
