Japan-based Toppan also pumped in 3.5m last May when it agreed to work with E Ink on the development of a coloured electronic ink solution using colour filter arrays.

Under the terms of the partnership, Toppan will manufacture front plate laminate products for E Inks graphical display business using the companys electronic ink.

The deal will expand the partnership in several areas, including e-publishing and e-paper applications.

E Ink president and chief executive Jim Iuliano said the partnership was "an extraordinary opportunity" for his firm.