Although this isn't completely new (initially seen in 2006) this was worth the write-up: Xerox's invention of a paper that can be printed on, from which the text disappears within 24 hours so it can be reused up to 100 more times.
Interestingly, the printing is special in two ways:
- The paper is a specific type of paper developed by Xerox
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the printer is not a standard printer - it is actually a "...light emitting diode unit" which is an LED diode attached to the printer.
In a standard situation, the paper 'self-erases' in 24 hours however applying heat, through a fuser roll within the printer, can immediately erase the paper and allow for re-prints. Best of all, when the paper is 'exhausted' it can be recycled through your normal recycling methods.
Checkout the video here.
The solution comprise part of the Xerox Sustainability research under the Palo Alto Research Centre's (PARC) 'CleanTech Innovation Program' (PARC is the research arm of Xerox), where they are researching solutions in the areas of:
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affordable solar energy and solar cell research
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water purification
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energy efficiency
References:
Xerox 2006, Press Release: Experimental paper erases itself, results in temporary documents on reusabe paper
