Samsung Electronics has announced the new 13-inch Color E-Paper (EM13DX model), which, according to it, is the world’s first commercial display to apply a bio-resin derived from phytoplankton in its housing. This is a major leap forward for sustainability. The paper-thin display uses advanced digital ink technology and ultra-low power. It serves as a practical alternative to traditional painted signage for businesses.
Samsung launches world’s first e-paper display made from phytoplankton
Samsung says the display’s housing has been independently verified by the global safety and sustainability certification organization UL. The new 13-inch Color E-paper display’s housing consists of 45% recycled plastic and 10% phytoplankton-based bio-resin. The material innovation was developed as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, which, according to it, can reduce carbon emissions in the manufacturing process by more than 40%.
Samsung notes that the entire packaging, including the box, cushion, and accessory box, comes from 100% paper. Samsung’s new 13-inch Color E-paper works as a compact display option for shelves, counters, tables, and even doors where traditional paper signage is still widely in use.
It is ultra-slim and lightweight
Similar to A4 paper, the new 13-inch Samsung Color E-Paper display delivers 1,600 X 1,200 resolution in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Samsung’s advanced color imaging algorithm will enhance color accuracy and readability to deliver a “paper-like look and feel.” It is ultra-slim at 17.9mm and quite light at under 2lbs (~0.91 kgs). This should make it easy to install and reposition across different placements.
The new 13-inch Color E-paper display gets an embedded rechargeable battery, making it quite flexible for mounting. It charges via USB Type-C, so you don’t need any permanent power cables. The display maintains static images at zero watts of power, thereby reducing unnecessary energy usage. When the content is updated, the overall energy use remains much lower than that of conventional digital signage.
The device includes a rechargeable battery
The Samsung E-Paper App, which is available on Android and iOS, lets businesses update and manage local content from personal devices. This eliminates the need for an additional remote control. The display is also compatible with Samsung VXT, a cloud-based content and remote device management platform. This lets teams remotely manage hardware settings, troubleshoot issues, and create and deploy content with minimal training.
For Color E-Paper, Samsung VXT includes dedicated features to optimize content visibility and preview function, which allows teams to check color accuracy before deployment.
Alongside the new 13-inch display, Samsung will also unveil a 20-inch model for the first time at ISE 2026. This tech show will take place in Barcelona from February 3rd to 6th.
