Printed Electronics LOPEC 2026: Printed Electronics Moves Closer to Industrial Application

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LOPEC 2026 shows the increasing industrialization of printed electronics: With concrete applications and positive market signals, the technology is developing from a research topic to an industrial component that is also increasingly being discussed in safety-critical applications.

LOPEC 2026, which took place in Munich at the end of February 2026, once again confirmed the development of printed electronics towards industrial practice. 158 exhibitors from 29 countries and more than 2,400 visitors were able to see this for themselves in the exhibition hall. The figures are roughly on a par with the previous year's event, with the addition of around 20 new exhibitors.

The focus of the exhibition and conference was increasingly on market-ready applications. Printed and flexible electronics systems are showing their strengths particularly in areas such as mobility, medical technology, smart living and industry. This was demonstrated not only by the extended mobility presentations at the LOPEC Conference, but also by the panel discussion on flexible and printed electronics in the aerospace and defense sectors. The offer for visitors and exhibitors was rounded off by an extensive poster exhibition, where numerous approaches to printed electronics were presented from different perspectives.

Market Growing - Despite Uncertainties

Parallel to the technological development, the market is also sending out positive signals, as was announced at the press breakfast by Dr. Alain Schumacher, Chair of the OE-A Board, among others. According to the latest OE-A Business Climate Survey, the industry expects sales growth of around seven percent in 2026, with a further increase to around ten percent in 2027.

The results show a robust sentiment overall:

• 73 percent of companies expect further growth
• 84 percent plan additional hiring
• a large proportion invests more in production and R&D

Despite geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, the sector remains on course for growth.

New Applications Drive the Market

In terms of technology, new fields of application are the main drivers of development. These include in particular

• Aviation and defense
• Robotics
• Fuel cells

In addition, overarching topics such as standardization are becoming increasingly important. Printed electronics enable new form factors, such as flexible sensors, large-area electronics or integrated functions in materials and textiles. A key growth driver here is the healthcare sector: applications range from continuous monitoring and smart textiles to personalized diagnostics.

Sustainability Becomes an Issue

A clear focus of current developments is on sustainable concepts. Printed electronics are increasingly seen as an enabler for resource-saving systems, for example through:

additive, energy-efficient manufacturing processes

Use of bio-based and less toxic materials

Concepts for reuse and recycling

Sustainability was particularly present in the poster exhibition. "Established standards must be questioned for sustainability," said Schumacher during his presentation. This development shows that printed electronics is increasingly positioning itself in the context of the circular economy and sustainable production. Schumacher is positive that we are preparing for tomorrow today.

Platform for Value Creation and Networking

In addition to technology and the market, LOPEC remains above all a meeting place for the entire value chain - from material suppliers to machine manufacturers and users. The focus on concrete applications and the exchange between research and industry are considered key success factors of the event. One example of this was the panel discussion entitled "Aerospace and Defense - What Role for Flexible and Printed Technologies?".

The international panel offered a broad mix not only due to its origin, but also due to the different perspectives of the participants. In addition to Christian Daschner from db-matik as a representative of mechanical engineering, Jeroen van den Brand (Holst Centre) was on stage for research, Daniel Slep (ChemCubed) for materials science and Massimiliano Crescioli (Inhoc Signo) for design.

Slep in particular reported on experiences with printed electronics in the aviation sector and pointed out the different market approaches: While many developments in the USA are first created in the defense environment and then transferred to civilian applications, development in Europe often goes in the opposite direction. The term "dual use" was emphasized by all participants as a central approach. It would not work without it. (sb)