Not too long ago, we talked about how Xerox was developing erasable printer paper that you can re-use over and over. Since then, Sanwa Newtec has introduced PrePeat, a printer with a thermal head that uses heat to print and erase text and images on special PET plastic sheets. Word on the street is that each page is good for up to 1,000 printouts.
But does going green with PrePeat mean you need to spend a small fortune? Not necessarily, especially if you’re an eco-minded business that prints a lot. According to Popsci.com, the printer itself goes for around $5,500 US, and the theoretical cost per page is a miniscule 0.33 cents ($3,300 for 1,000 sheets of paper, with each sheet yielding 1,000 prints). All that said, it appears that the PrePeat prints in only black and white, and the plastic sheets are only usable with the PrePeat. Also, keep in mind that you can’t always take page yield info at face value.
In my opinion, one way to make erasable paper technology more viable would be to use it in multi-function printers that can print, scan, copy, and even fax, so the special paper would be usable for most of your basic office applications. As a result, users might see erasable paper as something more practical, as opposed to simply interesting. You can learn more about the PrePeat by checking out the product page (beware the broken English).
(See the PrePeat in action at DigInfo.tv; Photo via Sanwa-Newtec.co.jp)
