The gadget saving trees by sucking ink off paper – BBC News

Summary

The video explores the environmental impact of global paper and cardboard consumption, highlighting the pulp and paper industry as the fourth largest carbon emitter. Despite decades of advocating for a paperless office, demand continues to rise. The video introduces a groundbreaking invention by Barack Yakutieli: a laser-based system that wipes words off coated paper, allowing each sheet to be reused up to ten times and recycling the ink for new printers. The innovation aims to integrate with existing office printers, reducing paper waste. It also raises awareness about excessive cardboard consumption driven by online retail, urging viewers to reconsider their habits and minimize waste.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Millions of trees are cut down globally each year to meet the demand for paper and cardboard.
• 🔥 The paper production process consumes a lot of heat, much of which comes from polluting coal or gas.
• ♻️ Some companies, like a firm in Sweden, are working toward zero carbon emissions in paper production.
• 💨 The pulp and paper industry is the fourth largest carbon-emitting sector worldwide.
• 📈 Despite discussions about the 'paperless office' for 50 years, paper demand continues to rise.
• 📝 A new invention can erase printed words from paper using a laser and special coating, allowing reuse of each sheet up to 10 times.
• 🖨 The erased ink pigments can be collected and recycled into new printer inks, creating a closed-loop system.
• 🖥 Existing printers can be converted with this laser solution, potentially integrating into offices globally.
• 📦 The rise of online retail is increasing cardboard waste in households, highlighting overconsumption habits.
• 🌍 Reducing paper and packaging usage is crucial to combat environmental impact and unsustainable consumption.

Q & A

Why is the paper and cardboard industry a significant environmental concern?

The industry is the fourth largest carbon-emitting sector worldwide. The production process consumes a lot of heat, much of which comes from polluting sources like coal and gas, contributing heavily to carbon emissions.

What is surprising about the demand for paper despite discussions of a paperless office?

Even after 50 years of talking about a paperless office, the demand for paper continues to increase rather than decrease.

What is Barack Yakutieli's invention designed to do?

His invention uses a powerful laser and a special paper coating to wipe the words off printed pages, allowing each sheet to be reused up to 10 times.

How does the paper-reusing technology work?

The laser evaporates the ink on the paper, leaving behind pigment particles that are collected and recycled into new printer inks.

How could this invention be integrated into everyday office life?

Existing printers can be converted with the solution, allowing a ‘D printer’ to work alongside regular printers, making the technology accessible for daily office use.

What problem related to cardboard does the video highlight?

The video emphasizes the large volume of cardboard used due to online retail and packaging, showing that households accumulate excessive cardboard waste, often referred to as 'box mountain.'

Why is reducing cardboard consumption important?

Excessive cardboard use contributes to waste and environmental degradation. Reducing it helps minimize resource consumption and carbon emissions associated with production and disposal.

What is the ultimate environmental goal of the Swedish firm mentioned in the video?

The firm aims to achieve zero carbon emissions in its operations, setting an example for sustainable practices in the pulp and paper industry.

What are the environmental benefits of reusing paper up to 10 times?

Reusing paper reduces the number of trees felled, decreases energy consumption from paper production, and lowers carbon emissions associated with creating new paper sheets.

What challenge does the invention face in terms of widespread adoption?

The main challenge is integrating the technology with existing printers on a large scale to make it a practical solution for offices worldwide.

How does the invention contribute to a circular economy?

By recycling ink pigments and enabling paper reuse, the technology creates a closed-loop system that reduces waste and the need for new raw materials.