[Interview] Samsung Color E-Paper x PLEATSMAMA: When Retail Spaces Reflect Brand Values

[Samsung Newsroom]

In a fashion industry driven by rapid production and short product cycles, Korean brand PLEATSMAMA has made sustainability part of its approach to innovation. Known for its pleated bags, the brand was the first in Korea to introduce a 3D knitting technique using recycled yarn made from discarded plastic bottles, embedding sustainability throughout its materials and production process.

Recently, PLEATSMAMA expanded that approach to its retail spaces by introducing Samsung Electronics’ Color E-Paper, a next-generation signage solution designed to reduce paper point-of-purchase (POP) materials and printed guides.

“Samsung Color E-Paper is a solution that can transform the retail environment.”

– Jong-mi Wang, founder and CEO of PLEATSMAMA

▲ PLEATSMAMA uses Samsung Color E-Paper to display promotions and brand stories.

In Seoul’s Samcheong-dong neighborhood, traditional Korean hanok buildings stand alongside contemporary galleries, cafés and boutiques. The area’s blend of heritage and modern creativity makes it a fitting home for PLEATSMAMA’s flagship store and its philosophy of thoughtful design and responsible living.

Samsung Newsroom met with Jong-mi Wang, founder and CEO of PLEATSMAMA and Min-kyung Lee, manager of the Samcheong store, to learn how Color E-Paper is extending the brand’s sustainability efforts into its retail space.

Turning Sustainability Into Everyday Practice

PLEATSMAMA uses 3D knitting technology to form each bag with minimal cutting and sewing, helping reduce fabric waste. The brand wanted to bring the same approach to store operations, where printed POP materials are frequently replaced with new product launches and promotions.

▲ PLEATSMAMA uses recycled yarn and 3D knitting technology to reduce fabric waste. (Photo courtesy of PLEATSMAMA)

Color E-Paper emerged as a solution. The ultra-low-power digital signage features a paper-like texture that blends naturally with store interiors while allowing content to be easily updated after installation. The product also aligns with PLEATSMAMA’s focus on resource circulation, with 55% of its housing materials consisting of recycled plastic.

Launched earlier this year, the 13-inch model is the world’s first display to use bio-resin derived from plankton oil¹ — reducing carbon emissions during material production by more than 40% compared with conventional petroleum-based plastics.²

“What matters most is that sustainability is no longer limited to one-time campaigns
— it has become a part of everyday operations.”

▲ Wang discusses why PLEATSMAMA introduced Samsung Color E-Paper.

“Operating a store means constantly producing seasonal POP materials and guides, many of which are used only briefly,” said Wang. “As we looked for ways to communicate our brand message while reducing unnecessary resource use, we came across Samsung Color E-Paper and realized it could be a meaningful solution.”

Retail spaces use more paper posters than many might expect. With Color E-Paper, store staff can easily update promotional images, product information and brand content without repeatedly printing new materials. Wang described the shift as an important step toward making sustainability part of everyday operations rather than a one-time campaign.

▲ A visitor explores product Q&A content on Samsung Color E-Paper, which supports playlist creation and scheduled content updates.

Unlike printed signage, Color E-Paper allows content to be updated automatically through preset playlists and schedules. At its Samcheong store, PLEATSMAMA uses the 32-inch display to share “PLEATSMAMA Q&A” content in Korean, English and Japanese, helping local and international visitors better understand the brand.

“Japanese customers tend to spend more time in the store and carefully read the Japanese-language content,” said Lee. “Color E-Paper has made it easier to share product care instructions and the brand’s philosophy.”

Flexible, Efficient and Designed for Retail Spaces

Color E-Paper has also changed how PLEATSMAMA manages store operations. Previously, promotional materials had to be printed and replaced for every campaign and product launch. Now, store staff can update content in real time through the Samsung E-Paper App while managing playlists and schedules.

▲ Lee updates Color E-Paper content through the Samsung E-Paper App.

“Eliminating the process of printing, installing and disposing of paper signage has made
store management much more efficient.”

– Min-kyung Lee, manager of PLEATSMAMA Samcheong store

“In the past, the headquarters or operations team had to deliver POP materials whenever we launched a new product or campaign,” said Lee. “With Color E-Paper, store managers can remotely download and apply content immediately.”

“Promotions used to mean printing and manually replacing paper signage throughout the store,” she added. “Now, we can simply upload new content, significantly reducing waste.”

▲ Lee discusses how Color E-Paper has improved store operations.

Color E-Paper supports PLEATSMAMA’s sustainability efforts through ultra-low power consumption, operating at zero watts power while displaying static content and consuming power only when content is updated.³

Available in a range of sizes and easy to install, the display can adapt to different spaces and uses.⁴ At PLEATSMAMA’s Samcheong store, the 13-inch model is often placed on tables or shelves for close-up viewing, while the larger 32-inch model displays more detailed content such as brand Q&As. Their lightweight, slim design makes the displays easy to move and reposition as the store layout changes.

“It was impressive to see the brand’s message reflected in the technology
used throughout the store.”

PLEATSMAMA also values how the signage fits naturally into the store environment. Color E-Paper’s paper-like surface and slim profile help it blend seamlessly into the space while showcasing the brand’s signature knit textures and colorful designs.

Color E-Paper uses a color imaging algorithm to deliver more natural colors and smoother image quality. As a result, the display feels less like a digital screen and more like part of the brand space.

▲ Color E-Paper’s paper-like texture and rich colors blend naturally into the store environment.

“In the past, store staff often had to introduce products to customers, but now many discover items through the images on Color E-Paper and ask about them directly,” said Lee. “It has been exciting to see customers engage more actively with the content.”

“At first, I thought it was just a regular paper poster,” said one visitor. “I’m impressed by how naturally the brand’s sustainability message is reflected in the store’s technology.”

The Future of Sustainable Retail

For PLEATSMAMA, a sustainable lifestyle is less about dramatic changes and more about everyday choices — using products longer and minimizing unnecessary waste. This philosophy aligns closely with Samsung Color E-Paper’s focus on reducing paper and power consumption in everyday spaces.

▲ (From left) Min-kyung Lee and Jong-mi Wang

“Samsung’s approach to innovation for a more sustainable future
closely aligns with our philosophy.”

“We are doing our best for the environment where we can make a difference, but there are limits to what a single brand can achieve alone,” said Wang. “That is why collaboration with companies like Samsung Electronics, which develop sustainable technology solutions, is meaningful. I believe retail will increasingly connect design, technology and sustainability.”

The collaboration between Samsung and PLEATSMAMA shows how sustainability can extend beyond products into the retail experience itself. When brand philosophy and technology align naturally, retail spaces can more clearly express a brand’s identity.

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1. The 13-inch Color E-Paper (model: EM13DX) cover incorporates 45% recycled plastic and 10% bio-resin derived from plankton oil. ︎
2. Carbon emissions were calculated using product carbon footprint (PCF) data for resin production in accordance with ISO 14067, 14040 and 14044 standards and compared with petroleum-based resin (PC+ABS) of the same weight. Emissions from distribution, use and disposal were excluded. All figures are estimates based on specific test conditions and may vary depending on actual usage environments. ︎
3. Power may be consumed when refreshing or changing content or when controlling the device. When connected to a power cable or battery, content refreshes occur automatically as required. ︎
4. Two rear holders and two brackets are included in the standard package. The 13-inch model also includes two display stands. Additional accessories are sold separately. ︎

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