Toshiba

Toshiba Tec has unveiled a new, eco-friendly copy machine that allows users to erase printed documents, and reuse them as blank sheets of paper - reducing their carbon footprint in the process.

The "Loops" copier system, the first of its kind, combines two separate machines: a special toner that uses erasable ink, and a machine that applies heat to wipe the paper clean. The system, unveiled Monday, has the capability to erase 30 sheets per minute, cutting down the amount of paper used by 80 percent, compared to standard copy machines, according to a company spokeswoman.

Once the documents are erased, the machine sorts through all the printouts, and eliminates damaged paper from the system.

Each sheet, can be reused up to five times.

Loops is part of a larger push by Toshiba Tec to produce eco-friendly products that drastically reduce a company's carbon footprint by using less energy and making efficient use of resources. The copier system alone, slashes carbon dioxide emissions of standard machines by nearly 60 percent, according to the company.

Loops is set to go on sale in Japan next February and comes with a hefty price tag: 1.41 million yen, or more than $17,000. Toshiba Tec plans to sell the green system abroad under a different name starting in May.