Toshiba's new re-usable printer
Printers - 23/11/2006 17:03:03
Toshiba has announced a new printer that can save on paper by reprinting on old documents.
The B-SX8R model uses the same technology as 1970s fax machines but prints on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) paper.
PET is the same substance used to make plastic drinks bottles and makes an ideal substitute to traditional pulp-based papers that need costly recycling and treatment to become usable once more.
According to Toshiba, the printer can use the same sheet of paper around 500 times before it needs to be replaced.
Mike Keane, a spokesman for Toshiba, said: "The B-SX8R will help reduce paper use thus preserving forest resources and reducing CO2 emissions during paper manufacturing and waste processes.
"The B-SX8R does a small thing in saving paper resources, but assists in the big practical objective of global environmental conservation."
Toshiba hopes to corner the market for companies who print non-permanent documents and who want to reduce the amount of waste and recycling they produce.
However, Toshiba has admitted that it will take a while to change the habits of workers and to get them re-using the same paper in the printer again and again.
Whether it's permanent or temporary, that all-important document can make or break a deal. Make sure it's handled with the care and attention it deserves by finding out about printers near you.