The plastic newspaper

Rafat Ali at PaidContent reports that Plastic Logic, developers of flexible plastic content readers (plastic newspapers maybe?) has received US$100 million in venture funding.

The company will use the money to build a factory in Dresden, Germany to make the display modules for electronic reader products…these flexible active-matrix displays can be fabricated like the pages of a book and used to display downloaded content of books or newspapers. It will start production in 2008.

I talk here about newsagents facing a tsunami of change. The Plastic Logic funding will fuel part of that tsunami.

From the Plastic Logic press release:

“Our displays will enable electronic reader products that are as comfortable and natural to read as paper whether you’re on a beach, in a train or relaxing on the sofa at home.” stated John Mills, Chief Operating Officer at Plastic Logic. “Wireless connectivity will allow you to purchase and download a book or pick up the latest edition of your newspaper wherever you are and whenever you need it. The battery will last for thousands of pages so you can leave your charger at home.”

“Even in this age of pervasive digital content, our research shows that consumers are very reluctant to read on laptops, phones and PDAs,” said Simon Jones, Vice President of Product Development at Plastic Logic. “We still carry around enormous amounts of paper. However, people are making less room in their lives for the weight and bulk of paper and are becoming more sensitive to the environmental impact of printing to read. We believe there is a substantial unfulfilled need that Plastic Logic can meet by making digital reading a comfortable and pleasurable experience.”

This tsunami of change is an opportunity for newsagents. Now is the time to grab the surfboard and lead your business through change. Take control and choose your future.