Ricoh Makes Printer Out of Plants

Corn is the new oil if you’re making plastic.  That’s right, Ricoh has led the charge to start building its printers using corn-based plastics.  The innovation comes in response to skyrocketing oil prices.

“Dwindling oil, supplies and spirallling prices, as much as environmental concerns, are forcing manufacturers to look at alternative methods of producing plastic. The Japanese lead the field, Sharp having developed technology to blend plant- and petroleum-based plastics and Fujitsu and NEC use plant-based plastics in their PC and notebook cases. Mitsubishi set out to use green plastics for the interior of its new-concept mini-car.” (The Inquirer)