Samsung Debuts 13-Inch Color E-Paper, a World-First Display Built With Bio-Resin Derived From Phytoplankton

Samsung Electronics today announced the global launch of the 13-inch Samsung Color E-Paper (EM13DX model), expanding its Color E-Paper lineup with the world’s first display designed with a bio-resin housing derived from phytoplankton. The paper‑thin display uses advanced digital ink technology and ultra‑low power to offer businesses a practical alternative to traditional printed signage.

“As businesses look for more flexible and efficient ways to communicate, Samsung Color E-Paper represents a shift in how digital signage fits into everyday operations,” said Hyoung Jae Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “By incorporating innovative technology such as phytoplankton-based bio-resin, we’re demonstrating our commitment to advancing both display technology and the materials behind it. Our Color E-Paper products are designed to replace paper with ultra-low power performance and ultra-slim, lightweight designs.”

Paper‑Like Color and Clarity for Modern Digital Displays

As the smallest model in the lineup, the new 13-inch Samsung Color E-Paper offers businesses a compact display option for shelves, counters, tables and doors where traditional paper signage is still widely used. Similar in scale to A4 paper, the display delivers 1,600 x 1,200 resolution in a 4:3 aspect ratio.

With a rechargeable, embedded battery, USB Type-C support and flexible mounting options,¹ the display can be deployed without permanent power cables. Its ultra-slim 17.9mm design weighs just 0.9kg with the battery, making it easy to install and reposition across different placements as campaigns change. Samsung’s advanced color imaging algorithm enhances color accuracy and readability to deliver a paper-like look and feel. By smoothing gradations and refining contours, it produces vivid visuals that resemble traditional posters and point-of-purchase displays, helping businesses transition naturally from printed materials to digital signage.

Pioneering Lower‑Impact Signage With Bio‑Based Materials

Samsung’s 13-inch Color E-Paper is the world’s first commercial display to apply a bio-resin derived from phytoplankton in its housing. The display’s housing has been independently verified by global safety and sustainability certification organization UL to consist of 45% recycled plastic and 10% phytoplankton-based bio-resin. This material innovation was developed as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, which can reduce carbon emissions in the manufacturing process by more than 40%.²

Sustainability is carefully considered in every part of the display, from the housing to the packaging. The entire packaging, including the box, cushion and accessory box, is made from 100% paper.

Day-to-day operation is designed to be just as efficient. The display maintains static images at zero watts power, reducing unnecessary energy usage without compromising reliability.³ When content is updated, overall energy⁴ use remains far lower than that of conventional digital signage, which helps lower operating costs over time.

Easy Content Control With Samsung E-Paper App and Samsung VXT

Samsung’s 13-inch Color E-Paper supports simple content control for both local and remote operation. The Samsung E-Paper App, available on Android and iOS, allows staff to update and manage local content directly from personal devices, without the need for an additional remote control.

The display is also compatible with Samsung VXT, a cloud-based content and remote device management platform that 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, as well as a preview function that allows teams to check color accuracy before deployment.

Alongside the new 13-inch display, Samsung will unveil a 20-inch model for the first time at ISE 2026, a world-renowned audiovisual and systems integration tech show held in Barcelona from Feb. 3-6. With this expansion of the Color E-Paper lineup beyond the existing 32-inch model offering, the Color E-Paper portfolio is increasingly designed to support a wide range of business needs.

Samsung continues to lead the global digital signage market, securing a 36.2% global market share by volume in Q3 2025, building on its 17-year position as the world’s leading commercial display provider.⁵

1. The EM13DX series includes two rear holders, two hanging brackets and two simple stands. Additional installation accessories may be required, depending on the setup, and are sold separately. ↩︎
2. Based on internal test results under specific conditions only. Comparison is made against petroleum-based resin (PC+ABS) of the same weight. Carbon emissions calculation is based on the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data of resin production following ISO 14067, 14040 and 14044 standards, covering carbon emissions from cradle to gate (excluding downstream, use-phase and end-of-life emissions). All figures are estimates based on available data and are subject to change. ↩︎
3. Activities related to content refresh, content changes or device monitoring and control will require additional power. Content refresh is essential and automatically performed when the power cable or battery is connected. ↩︎
4. Battery duration may vary based on factors including network environment, hardware components and user activity. ↩︎
5. Consumer TVs are excluded. Source: Omdia Q3 2025 Public Display Report. ↩︎