BLUE PLANET INK

The circle of it: This company is producing disappearing ink that can be inserted into standard printers so that paper can be re-used instead of recycled after the ink disappears after use.

Blue planet ink

Summary

Blue Planet Ink is a printer ink that disappears in a few days so the paper can be used over and over again. After a few days, the ink completely loses its color, leaving behind blank paper that can be used all over again. The company aims to have individuals and companies re-use the same sheet of paper numerous times instead of the paper ending up being recycled, or thrown away. The ink can be used on regular paper in standard inkjet printers. The self-erasing ink is water-based and uses a pH indicator that is colored at a high pH and colorless at a low pH.

Story

The company was founded by Carl Yee, who thought of the idea of disappearing ink, in response to his dismay over environmental harm. When he couldn’t buy disappearing ink, he decided to make one himself. After a few more years, he was granted a patent for the idea, that he hoped to license to existing printer companies. However, he found that most companies didn’t want to take that risk. Finally, he started the company in 2010 and began selling the self-erasing inkjet ink in 2015. (Source)

Pic Credit: Happy Eco News (right) and Ebay (top)

Why does saving paper matter? A sheet of paper seems pretty insubstantial compared to a printer made of plastics and metals and running on electrical power. However, almost all the environmental impact of printing is from the paper.”

Carl Yee in an interview

Founder(s)

Carl Yee


Headquarters

San Diego, CA


In business since

2010



Impact


Technology

creating self-erasing ink for inkjet printers


Material

pH sensitive colorant


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