Epson's PaperLab has one big trick up it's sleeve
Let's face it, we are wasting a lot of paper and other products every day. And while some sources say that recycling all that paper is actually good for the environment, others say that it actually harms it. Epson has found a way to help us not waste so many papers, as they have created the world's first in-office paper recycling machine. The machine is called the PaperLab, and how it works is one person would load used pieces of paper into one side of the machine, and in return, it would give out fresh white sheets ready to be used all over again. The PaperLab is can churn out 14 A4 sheets every minute, or 6,700 sheets in eight hours. It can also make other paper sizes such as A3 or thicker paper for things like business cards, colored stock and it can make "scented paper." The PaperLab shreds the used pieces of paper into paper fibers, so it is a great and secure way to get rid of confidential documents.
Epson didn't go into exact details on how the PaperLab works in their official press release, but it is the first to create the new paper via a dry process, instead of a heavily water based process like normal paper recycling. Although there is a small amount of water needed "To maintain a certain level of humidity inside the system." In layman's terms, the machine has three stages. Fiberizing is the first, in where the PaperLab converts the waste paper into "long, thin cottony fibers." Then there is binding, which alters the papers properties, such as color or "Flame resistance." And finally forming, where the fiber is pressed into new sheets of paper that is ready to use.
As mentioned above, Epson hasn't said given us much detail on how it all works, and most importantly, how much does it cost. Nonetheless, this is a compelling concept that could eventually cut down on waste, which would help the environment and even could save some money. There could be more information released sometime soon however, as Epson is planning on putting the PaperLab into commercial production in 2016.
Via: | The Verge |
Source: | Epson |
