Office workers might one day not have to worry about whether they're wasting paper every time they print something, thanks to an invention by a Mexican engineer which promises to strip ink off paper, leaving clean sheets ready for reuse.
David Leal's Unprinter uses lasers to blast the ink off the paper, reports Technology Review, leaving behind nothing but white pages.
The laser for the Unprinter costs about 10,000 euros (11,035 dollars) right now, but Leal hopes to bring it down to about 2,000 euros, according to the report. He also hopes to take the time required to clear a page - about seven minutes currently - down to about 30 seconds.
The plan would be to incorporate the technology straight into copiers and printers. Leal has incorporated the firm Reduse in Britain so he can further develop the device.