03 Jul 2009
The 2008-2009 Annual Report of ETIRA (The European Toner & Inkjet Remanufacturers Association) stated:
"contrary to what is legally correct, a few OEM’s still threaten end-users that the printer warranty is void when non-original cartridges are used.
However, such an obligation to only use OEM-cartridges violates EU fair competition laws, and will not stand up in court. Since 2006, the Directorate-General for Competition of the EU Commission in Brussels is investigating whether printer manufacturers prevent free competition in the markets for toner and ink. ETIRA is working with the EU on this matter.
Another interesting issue brought out in the Annual Report is related to the carbon footprint of remanufactured cartridges. A recent study by agency Xanfeon again proves what almost everyone have known for years: that remanufactured cartridges have a much lower carbon footprint than new cartridges.
The study found that carbon emissions can be 45-60% lower in the case of 2-4 remanufacturing cycles, and up to 60% lower if the cartridge is put through additional cycles. In fact, 6 or more remanufacturing cycles are not unheard of: in 2008 a cartridge shop presented a b&w toner cartridge which was remanufactured 25 (!) times, thus diverting 28 kg away from landfill, emitting 65 kg less CO2, and saving the end-user some 1,100 Euros. In a recession, corporate clients will seek to reduce costs and at the same time reduce their carbon footprint. Remanufactured cartridges can help attain these objectives.