Epson prototype turns shredded waste into paper

Epson has launched a new device, dubbed PaperLab, which is capable of producing new paper from securely shredded waste paper without the use of water.

“It usually takes about a cup of water to make a single A4 sheet of paper but given that water is a precious global resource, Epson felt a dry process was needed,” the company said in a statement.

PaperLab users can also expect to buy less new paper and reduce their transport CO2 emissions.

PaperLab is not a commercialised product yet but a prototype will be available at the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre from 10 to 12 December.

The printer will be exclusively available in Japan in January. Sales in other regions are still being decided upon.

PaperLab is able to produce paper of various sizes, thicknesses and types from office paper, business card paper to paper that is coloured and scented.