It's possible that your next laptop computer could contain parts of your present-day notebook ... not your notebook computer, mind you, but your actual notebook. At least, it will if China's PEGA Design and Engineering has anything to say about it. The company's new Paper PP Alloy, made from a combination of recycled paper and polypropylene, is intended for use in the shells of consumer electronic devices.
According to PEGA, not only is the material strong and flexible, but it is also recyclable and reusable, and it's inexpensive to produce. Additionally, because it can be injection molded, it could be used in existing production facilities without having to make extensive changes.
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Although the company states that Paper PP Alloy has "already drawn the attention of consumer electronics manufacturers," there is no word on whether or not there are any actual takers as of yet.
In the past few years, PEGA has also experimented with creating computer shells out of materials such as bamboo, cellulose acetate, and plant-based biodegradable polylactic acid.