Epson's PaperLab promises to revolutionize office recycling by securely destroying documents and turning them into office paper using a dry process

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PaperLab

Seiko Epson Corporation (SEC) has developed what it believes to be the world's first compact office papermaking system capable of producing new paper from securely shredded waste paper without the use of water. 

Epson plans to put the new "PaperLab" into commercial production in Japan in 2016, with sales in other regions to be decided at a later date. Businesses and government offices that install a PaperLab in a backyard area will be able to produce paper of various sizes, thicknesses, and types, from office paper and business card paper to paper that is colored and scented.

A developmental prototype of the PaperLab was demonstrated at the Epson booth at the Eco-Products 2015, an environmental exhibition that took place at the Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) last December 10 to 12.

The enduring universal appeal of paper lies in its simplicity as a communication tool. Information on the highly portable and always convenient medium of paper is easy to read, easy to digest, and easy to remember. On the other hand, this essential tool is also produced from a limited resource. As a leading company in the world of printing, Epson has been deeply involved with paper used for its printer products. With this in mind, the company set out to develop technology that would change the paper cycle. With PaperLab, Epson aims to give new value to paper and stimulate recycling.

PaperLab Features

1. Office-based recycling process

Ordinarily, paper is recycled in an extensive process that typically involves transporting waste paper from the office to a papermaking (recycling) facility. With PaperLab, Epson is looking to shorten and localize a new recycling process in the office.

2. Secure destruction of confidential documents

Until now enterprise has had to hire contractors to handle the disposal of confidential documents or has shredded them themselves. With a PaperLab, however, enterprise will be able to safely dispose of documents onsite instead of handing them over to a contractor. PaperLab breaks documents down into paper fibers, so the information on them is completely destroyed.

3. High-speed production of various types of paper

PaperLab produces the first new sheet of paper in about three minutes of having loaded it with waste paper and pressing the Start button. The system can produce about 14 A4 sheets per minute and 6,720 sheets in an eight-hour day.

Users can produce a variety of types of paper to meet their needs, from A4 and A3 office paper of various thicknesses to paper for business cards, color paper and even scented paper.

4. Environmental performance

PaperLab makes paper without the use of water. Ordinarily it takes about a cup of water to make a single A4 sheet of paper. Given that water is a precious global resource, Epson felt a dry process was needed.

In addition, recycling paper onsite in the office shrinks and simplifies the recycling loop. Users can expect to purchase less new paper and reduce their transport CO₂ emissions.

PaperLab technology

Epson's foundation of compact, energy-saving and high-precision technologies enables the company to achieve small, energy-efficient products that offer outstanding accuracy and performance. With printer business operations spanning the consumer, office, commercial and industrial sectors, Epson has an immense storehouse of ink and media expertise, as well as the ability to produce reliable, durable systems that will operate stably.

In addition to these, Epson has developed Dry Fiber Technology without water, a new group of technologies for the PaperLab.

Dry Fiber Technology consists of three separate technologies: fiberizing, binding, and forming.

Fiberizing

Using an original mechanism, waste paper is transformed into long, thin cottony, fibers. This process immediately and completely destroys confidential documents. Since the PaperLab does not use water, it does not require plumbing facilities. That, plus its compact size, makes it easy to install in the backyard of an office.

Binding

A variety of different binders can be added to the fiberized material to increase the binding strength or whiteness of the paper or to add color, fragrance, flame resistance, or other properties needed for a given application.

Forming

Users can produce sheets of A4 or A3 office paper and even paper for business cards thanks to forming technology that allows them to control the density, thickness, and size of paper.

Epson aims to help customers increase operational efficiency by providing high-speed, low-power business inkjet printers that deliver images of amazing quality at a low cost per print. And by employing PaperLab to convert used paper into new, the company believes that offices of all types will fundamentally change the way they think about paper.

1st Philippine Environment Summit : “Greening Together, Growing Better”

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The 1st Philippine Environment Summit, a celebration of the Philippine environmental movement, will be held on Feb 9 to 11 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia. The 3-day event will showcase programs and projects, as well as breakthroughs and innovations that contribute to the social and economic advancement, while protecting the environment. There will also be an exhibit area featuring eco-friendly products and services.

With “Greening Together, Growing Better” as theme, the summit will feature renowned leaders of government, the church, environment, civic organizations and academia as plenary and resource speakers in breakout sessions and as exhibitors. Also attending the event are lead members of environmental civil society organizations, leaders of government and business, as well as individual and institutional environmentalists.

President Benigno Aquino III, Luis Cardinal Tagle, former SC Justice Reynato Puno, and internationally renowned environmental activists Dr. David Suzuki and Dr. Vandana Shiva are some of the invited speakers, while leading Presidential aspirants in the coming national elections will be asked to present their environmental agendas. 

The Summit is co-organized by the Green Convergence -- a large coalition of environmental and developmental organizations, networks, faith-based groups and individuals -- with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR). Also supporting the event are the Energy Development Corporation, Tourism Promotions Board, Foundation of the Philippine Environment, PTFCF and Trans-Asia Renewable Energy.

The main objectives of the Summit are to disseminate information to the public on the developments, achievements, challenges, programs and projects in relation to food safety, environment and natural resource protection and conservation and sustainable economy; strengthen and energize networking between and within the public and private sector and within and across various sectors and groups, formulate policy recommendations; and showcase convergence initiatives between and /or among government, civil society, business, and other sectors of society.

“In celebrating the advancements in environmental protection achieved through private and public initiatives, we hope to create an opportunity for all sectors to unite and collaborate,” says Green Convergence president Dr. Angelina Galang. “The 1st Philippine Environment Summit is a call to government and the Filipino people to unite in accelerating the drive towards national sustainable development.” 

The Summit will be plenary sessions in the morning and breakout sessions in the afternoon, and a simultaneous three-day exhibit. Another highlight of the event is an awards ceremony recognizing LGU eco-champions. It concludes with the environment movement’s resolution for specific desired actions by the most influential sectors – government and business - that will protect the environment in pursuit of sustainable development in the Philippines.

To register for participation, join the exhibits, or know more about the 1st Philippine Environment Summit, call 225 7330 or visit greenconvergencephil on Facebook.

5 reasons why ASUS’ best value smartphone, ZenFone Go

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Go Everywhere with the ASUS ZenFone Go! 

Here are 5 reasons why ASUS’ best value smartphone, ZenFone Go, is this season’s perfect must-have travel companion.

Now, more than ever, it is undeniable that smartphones have truly become the centerpiece of our traveling lifestyle. Whether one considers himself to be an adventurous soul, an aimless wanderer, or perhaps simply an explorer-at-heart, every aspect of our travels is made even more fun with our handy smartphone there with us in every step of our journey.

While it seems that choosing the right kind of smartphone may be as challenging as planning your next travel destination, one actually need not look no further than the trailblazing ASUS ZenFone smartphone series, which since its launch last July 2014, has literally taken over the world by storm. And just like the bucket lists and itineraries we are all so accustomed in preparing for a brand new adventure, allow us to list down some of the top reasons why in particular the value-for-money ASUS ZenFone Go (ZC500TG) would be the perfect smartphone to have with you during your road trips and vacations this season.

The Price is Right: Your Best Bet for a Budget-Friendly, High-Value Smartphone

For a retail price of just PHP 5,995.00, the ASUS ZenFone Go is a sure hit for millennial travelers who are always on the look-out for items that will not only be useful to have wherever they go, but will also be ‘easy on the pocket’ for their budget travels. With its key features and main selling points (read on below), the ZenFone Go will really suit the lifestyles of both road warriors and vacationers alike.

Without a doubt, this smartphone’s very affordable pricing allows you to enjoy new experiences and destinations without having to break the bank.

Every Traveler’s Delight: It’s Compact, Elegant and very Light

They say that the secret to a stress-free travel is to simply pack light, and this could not be any more true for the ZenFone Go. With its light and compact built (weighing only 135 grams), the ZC500TG ensures travelers that you reduce space, weight, and any additional cost for your baggage. Moreover, at is slimmest point, the ZenFone Go is only 5.2mm – ultimately making it comfortable to hold and travel-friendly enough to be placed in your pocket anywhere you go.

And because what is traveling, if not in style, the ZenFone Go also displays the iconic ASUS spin cut-effect, with the concentric lines providing a magnificent visual effect. 

For added aesthetic, the ZenFone Go comes in three stylish colors of your choice: White, Black or Red.

The Need for Speed: Instant Touching Response

More often than not, nothing says “travel buzzkill” more than having to encounter speed bumps, detours and long waits along the way, most especially if you are in a hurry.

You will definitely not encounter these with the ZenFone Go what with its unmatched instant touching response: The ZC500TG is equipped with a super sensitive and instant 67ms touch response time that keeps up with all your needs even when you are on the go, or in a rush – making this the perfect travel gear for multitaskers and globetrotters.

Loud and Clear: An Audio Experience Like No Other

The ZenFone Go also offers you added entertainment at the palm of your hands as you go about in your travels. The ZC500TG benefits from ASUS-exclusive SonicMaster technology for exceptional mobile-audio experiences. In fact, the smartphone’s ingenuous amplifier design enables the ZC500TG to deliver an output voltage that is up to 25% greater than competing smartphones.

Going the Extra Mile: But Wait, There’s More!

Photo enthusiasts and social media- savvy travelers can also enjoy the ZenFone Go’s camera functions, what with its two built-in cameras, with the main camera having an 8MP, f/2.0 lens. 

On top of these, the ASUS ZenFone Go keeps the fun rolling with a high-capacity battery that provides almost 30 hours of 3G talk time and over 10 days on standby. 

The ZC500TG also packs a powerful 1.3GHz quad core processor for superior everyday performance, and includes intelligent dual SIM, dual-active technology that lets users both deal with and switch seamlessly between business and personal needs.

Enjoy the wonderful world! Go everywhere with the ASUS ZenFone Go!

“A day of smiles” - Alden Richards imparts values to Habitat Community

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Alden Richards, Habitat for Humanity Philippines Ambassador, spent time with home partner children to teach them values formation through a storytelling activity dubbed, “A day of smiles”. 

Last January 29 with Alden, full of smiles it was with the children surprised and overwhelmed with joy to see their admired celebrity spend time with them despite his busy schedule. 

One fortunate Habitat home partner family was even personally visited by Alden himself in their home; sharing stories and time about their previous living conditions and how their life has improved since moving into their new home. 

“More than an obligation, it’s what I want to do, especially every January, during my birthday. It’s a way of giving back to the people,” Alden explains. 

 “I feel happy every time I get an opportunity to help others. Nandito kasi heart ko, whenever I help sa mga nangangailangan.” 

“It’s my first time to do storytelling... [When you see] The kids listening and see them smile, in the midst of all the stress of every day, it’s the least that we can do to give them a light moment (Sic),” he adds. 

When asked what he gets out of it, he said that “It makes me more of a person, the real Alden, a real human being (Sic). It’s a break from all the showbiz and our busy schedule. At least an hour or two with the Habitat families, nakaka-eject ako for [a while]. I can be a volunteer, I can help people.”

Adding more delight to the community and making them feel more loved, Alden treated the children and their parents to McDonald’s meals. 

The Habitat community known as “Bistekville 1” in Bgy. Payatas, Quezon City, is home to more than 250 families who were previously living in unsafe informal settlements and doubling-up in rental housing. 

This time last year, Alden also held his “Birthday Build” in the same community to celebrate by sharing with others – volunteering his time to build homes.

“Alden’s support to our advocacy is truly admirable. He has dedicated time, energy and resources to helping his fellow Filipino brothers and sisters in need,” Charlie Ayco, Managing Director and CEO of Habitat Philippines said.

“His generosity is an example to all of us in how we can help build a better Philippines.”

LG Electronics (LG) today released its first-ever Super Bowl commercial featuring blockbuster actor Liam Neeson and its new LG SIGNATURE OLED TV.

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LIAM NEESON TRANSPORTS TV TECHNOLOGY FROM THE FUTURE IN LG’S FIRST-EVER SUPER BOWL COMMERCIAL

With Powerhouse Filmmakers Ridley and Jake Scott at the Helm,

LG’s Super Bowl 50 Spot Delivers LG OLED TV as New Era in TV Technology

In advance of the big game, LG Electronics (LG) today released its first-ever Super Bowl commercial featuring blockbuster actor Liam Neeson and its new LG SIGNATURE OLED TV.

The commercial — father-son collaboration with Ridley Scott, executive producer, and Jake Scott, director — showcases LG’s commitment to bringing the future of television to consumers today.

The spot will focus on how LG brings future-forward home entertainment innovations to consumers today with LG’s revolutionary OLED TV technology. 

It is centered on LG’s newest flagship OLED TV, which delivers OLED technology’s superior picture quality with perfect blacks, unparalleled contrast and more colors on an elegant, stunningly slim glass panel. The uniquePicture-on-Glass design aesthetic is only possible with OLED technology.

“It’s a dynamic short film,” said renowned director and the commercial’s executive producer, Sir Ridley Scott. “It’s about the race to be on the vanguard of innovation and to be able to create tomorrow’s technology.”

Neeson’s character is “the man from the future” and is tasked with releasing the future of television to the world for the masses to enjoy today, much like LG has continued to do through its pioneering innovation in the OLED TV category.

“My character is an enigmatic man from the future who has traveled back to the present day on a very important mission,” said Neeson. “He represents that inner appeal, that curiosity we have to find out about the future.”

“The objective was to create a world you’ve never seen before or a world that was unique and specific to the OLED,” said Jake Scott, who directed the LG commercial.

LG’s commercial draws upon the expertise and creativity of two Hollywood heavy-hitters, Ridley and Jake Scott, who aren’t just known for their award-winning films but also their acclaimed commercials. Each has already left their mark on the big game with previous successes including Ridley’s iconic 1984 commercial for Macintosh and Jake’s top performing ad, Budweiser’s Lost Dog.

Adding to his ever-growing resume of entertainment gold, this will be Neeson’s second Super Bowl commercial following his famous Clash of Clans spot from last season, which was named the most viewed Super Bowl ad on YouTube. Neeson and Ridley Scott last worked together in the action-packed 2005 film, Kingdom of Heaven, and the latest LG commercial is promising to be just as electric.

“Ridley and Jake are an amazing creative team,” said Neeson. “You know you’re in good hands.”

The award-winning LG SIGNATURE OLED TV, which was recently named Best TV Product by theOfficial Best of CES® 2016 Awards presented by Engadget, is defined not only by its amazing picture quality, but also its aesthetic design. With a sophisticated OLED panel featuring an impossibly thin depth (measuring about one-tenth of an inch) with a translucent glass back and a powerful, forward-facing sound bar speaker system, it is an outstanding feat of modern engineering and design.

“At first I was struck by its form. It’s just beautifully thin, clean and simple and elegant,” said Ridley Scott.

The flagship 77- and 65-inch class LG SIGNATURE OLED TVs feature exceptional contrast and color as well as 4K Ultra HD resolution and high dynamic range (HDR) capability. Certified as UHD Premium by the UHD Alliance, the series supports the industry-standard HDR formats established by the world’s leading broadcasters, film studios and consumer electronics manufacturers, including HDR10 and DolbyVision™ technology, making them among the first to be compatible with all formats.

Unlike LCD displays where the LED backlight can only locally dim sections of the screen, each pixel on an OLED panel can switch on and off independently. As a result, OLED TVs render crisp, vibrant colors and rich shadow details, even when bright objects are directly next to deep, dark areas — unlike LCD TVs which have a halo effect from light bleeding.

Led by the dramatic new LG SIGNATURE models featured in the commercial, LG’s 2016 OLED TV lineup features four series with eight total models, each with LG’s new webOS 3.0 smart TV platform, featuring advanced new features that make finding and switching between LG’s expanded content options — including broadcast TV, streaming services and external devices – simple and fast.

For more information about LG home entertainment products, please visit http://www.lg.com/common.