As computer screens aren’t designed for reading pages, new ways to view words electronically have emerged due to the growth of online material. e-Paper is a type of display that imitates the appearance of regular ink on paper, including its flexibility, while being more environmentally friendly than using a computer. It is more environmentally beneficial to read the information on e-Paper than to watch it on a computer.
e-Paper, which was created to solve the limitations of computer screens, reflects light like ordinary paper instead of utilizing a backlight to illuminate pixels and can store text and images endlessly without draining electricity.
This new device will be as light and thin as a magazine, yet it will be able to store all of the newspapers and documents that a single person could read in several months.
Paper Vs. Digital: Which Is The “Greenest” Long-Term Future Option?
Going online and replacing paper applications with electronic, digital, and virtual alternatives is one of the most promising techniques for paper efficiency.
There is a lot of room for paper reductions, whether it’s replacing a catalog with an online shop, use of email instead of paper billing, advertising on the internet instead of magazines or direct mail, and delivering all kinds of information in electronic form, from news to literature to photographs.
Digital applications might potentially replace up to 25% of paper consumption, according to the research.
Total annual CO2e emissions from the paper sector are estimated to be 2500 tonnes (8 percent of global emissions) and IT emissions are estimated to be 860 tonnes (2.7 % of the global emissions).
The e-Paper Setting With ‘Green’ Displays
In the high-end baggage sector, e-Paper displays have found a home. They display essential travel information instead of the type of printed paper luggage tags usually tied to our suitcase handles during check-in.
These e-Paper luggage tags may be reused and refreshed for several flights (for example, via NFC or a smartphone, to mention a few examples), giving a green alternative to paper and reducing environmental impact. However, the benefits to customers are numerous.
For travelers, the e-Paper luggage tags make the bag-drop operation much more fluid and efficient, allowing for faster check-in. Additionally, travelers can track their luggage much more efficiently with real-time, global tracking. Built-in GPS, GSM, and WiFi pinpoint a suitcase’s exact location in seconds, reducing the risk of misplaced or delayed luggage.
Finally, several ePaper luggage tags on the market include a built-in weighing scale, allowing you to escape the embarrassment of emptying your suitcase at the check-in desk to reduce the weight. Now, travelers need not worry about being charged an overweight surcharge.
In a Nutshell
e-Paper is a long-lasting, reusable, and environmentally friendly replacement to paper that eliminates all kinds of paper consumption and waste, reducing environmental impact and making it a viable option for various applications and use cases.
The effects of paper on climate change are mostly driven by those that occur during manufacturing and disposal, with use having only minor consequences.
On the other hand, the influence of IT is largely determined by how much electricity is consumed during its use (for example, the internet uses a huge amount of electricity). This results in skewed industry comparisons of the energy needed to use paper versus IT.