Doping front migration is a recently discovered effect occurring in sandwich structures composed of intrinsically conductive polymers. A system based on chemical or electrochemical doping is capable of controlling an integrated display and modifying the electrical resistance of the conductive polymer. The effect does not require a battery and is capable of monitoring time and temperature exposure. Low-cost devices using doping front migration could be the basis of a new class of smart labels for applications such as electronic "best before" labels on food and drink. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.