Taiwanese I2R e-Paper is erasable and reusable to up to 260 times

Taiwan is hooked upon making its due contribution to the environment in its own unique way. Researchers at the Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan have come up with a distinguished proposition of making possible to use a paper back to back for 260 times. The product, called i2R e-Paper promises the capability to make a printed document reusable by erasing its ink. And you get your used paper as good as new for printing again and again and again.

i2R e-Paper

The paper is walled out from the normal by its unique coating of cholestric liquid crystals. These crystals resemble cholesterol molecules and hence the name cholestric. This compound ends the use of backlight for printing. Patterned electrodes are swashed out of the picture, making the paper light and soft. When connected to electricity the paper gets magically erased, making it an apt competitor for e-paper.

This development could bring revolution to the printing industry, just similar to the one that had been brought about years ago with the introduction of the printing press to the world. Apart from the obvious fact that the entire process would drastically reduced the amount of wood pulp that is used throughout the world in the manufacturing of fine quality of printable paper, it is a noteworthy fact that this step would be huge contributor to the routine administrative expenses that are presently borne by innumerable offices and homes around the world. Thirdly, this would curtail the pollution problems that are created by waste paper.

Of course, the paper industry would face a blow on the face because a reduced use of paper would mean reduced production of conventional paper. But then for a mass interest, individual interests need to be given up without a second thought. And encouragingly, there is always a silver lining to every cloud, let’s not mention about their whiteness or darkness. So here, all the losses that are curtailed in the conventional paper manufacturing industry can as well be made up for in the i2R e-paper manufacturing industry. There would be not a huge difference other than the number, given the fact that both the paper grades would be printable.

The papers would not cost you a fortune, only $2 per A4 sized paper. So get ready to rock your office shelves in an estimated period of next two years.

Via: Reuters