One of the printers involved in the consortium, RPS2000, has said that, once the process becomes commercially viable, traditional printers will be able to produce printed electronics.

Alongside Leeds-based RPS2000, Sheffield printer Evolution and North York-shire designer and publisher Colour Heroes have been working with Cambridge-based interactive printed media company Novalia to produce a commercially viable product. Final printed trials are to be carried out in the next month, after which a commercial product will be manufactured.

None of the parties are revealing details of the project, but RPS2000 managing director David Ryan said that it would be something suitable for all printed products, not just packaging, as has previously been mooted.

He added: "This will completely change how people see the printed product – litho, digital and screen. It will be suitable for anywhere there are printed graphics, brochures, billboard sites, it is up to people’s imagination.

Dr Kate Stone, managing director at Novalia said: "We have now shown that printed electronics can be manufactured. Our demonstrator should be available in the next six weeks. After that we can put a price on it."