Week 13-1 Paper Recycling Printer

We are not printing so much nowadays as we rely on electrical versions and most paper is from managed forest. However, we still print, such as paper for editing is easier than looking through electronic screens and meeting handouts prevent distractions from electronic devices. Epson had developed PaperLab, “world’s first compact office papermaking system capable of producing new paper from securely shredded waste paper.” This will create a closed-loop recycling system in an office when its production start in Japan this year.

PaperLab's other advantage is decreasing energy consumption and confidentiality. It cuts out services and transport when recycling paper. Confidential papers even when shredded, no one is sure what happens once they leave the office, but PaperLab reprocess them immediately. The technology invented by Epson is quite simple. Waste paper is disintegrated into fibres without water with a treatment process called 'dry fibre technology.' When the fibres then bounded strongly enough, the user can add tint or fragrance or flame retardants for security and public safety, and choose paper thickness. However, it is unknown for number of times the process can repeat. Epson's innovation would be sustainability gem in an office if it is affordable and scalable.

Resources

http://www.triplepundit.com/2015/12/epson-rolls-out-printer-that-also-recycles-printed-paper/