When I first came across the idea of erasable paper, I admit it, I scoffed a little.

For a start, calling it erasable paper makes it sound as if it self-destructs like an Inspector Gadget note after 30 seconds, when in fact, the paper doesn't actually go anywhere.

To get a bit more technical about things, it is the images themselves that erase after a certain time-scale – at present, within 24 hours.

This works because the paper is coated with chemicals that react when exposed to light of a certain wavelength, producing visible words and images. However, this begins to disappear within a day, allowing the paper to be used multiple times.

Xerox has designed this paper on the premise that studies have shown 40% of print is disposed of within 24 hours and not kept for long-term use.

So it ticks the environmentally friendly box for starters.

Yet, I can't help but feel reminded of a very specific memory from my past: Christmas 1987, tearing chunks of sparkly wrapping paper with chubby fingers to reveal that pinnacle of pre-school artwork – the Etch A Sketch.

I can imagine the office revolution now… financial reports being drawn up in the boardroom with a magnetic pen. But seriously, you cannot get away from the obvious flaw – you cannot print on an Etch A Sketch – and don't even try it, it's not big and it's not clever.

The Xerox team's plans are very much still at the research stage and it will probably take years before we see the fruit of their labour.

But as a concept, it really isn't that bad is it? As a lowly office worker, I know for a fact that I am a tree's worst nightmare – casually throwing away paper with little thought of its source or where it might end up.

For quite a bulk of paper requirements, paper could be re-used, saving the rather costly need for recycling and allowing people like me to use my print outs for a second or third time without having to chuck it in the blue recycling bin under my desk and hope for the best.

The possibilities of this invention are quite far-reaching… school handouts, draft and design work, proof reading and so on.

Come to think of it, I rather like the idea. Just so long as my contract isn't printed on it…