Pollen-based paper can be ‘unprinted’

Published in Advanced Materials, the team’s research demonstrated how high-resolution colour images could be printed on the non-allergenic pollen paper with a laser printer, then ‘unprinted’ by completely removing the toner without damaging the paper, using an alkaline solution.

Findings showed the process could be repeated up to at least eight times, making the pollen-based paper a potential eco-friendly alternative to conventional paper which is made via a multi-step process with significant negative environmental impact, the team said.

Led by professors Subra Suresh and Cho Nam-Joon, the team also believes it could reduce carbon emissions and energy usage associated with conventional paper recycling, which involves repulping, de-toning and reconstruction.

“This is a new approach to paper recycling – not just by making paper in a more sustainable way, but also by extending the lifespan of the paper so that we get the maximum value out of each piece of paper we produce,” said Prof Suresh, NTU president and senior author of the paper.