Printer maker HP faces serious charges. The HOP association filed a complaint on November 26, 2024 for “ planned obsolescence of products by software ” And ” hindrance to repackaging ». In the crosshairs: commercial practices that would force consumers to only buy new cartridges from the brand, sold for up to 7,500 euros per liter of ink.
Remote blocking
HP would use particularly aggressive methods to maintain its control over the cartridge market. “HP strives for cartridges to be used only once. It’s dishonest for consumers and harmful for the environment.”denounces Flavie Vonderscher, advocacy manager at HOP.
The American company would remotely block cartridges that are not its brand using the printers’ chip and software. Even more surprising, even HP cartridges refilled with competitors would become unusable. This practice can go as far as prevent the use of the printer’s scanner, a functionality which does not require any ink.
A considerable environmental impact
The printing sector has become emblematic of planned obsolescence. According to ADEME (Ecological Transition Agency), the manufacturing of a printer represents more than 80% of its total environmental impact. Remanufactured cartridges emit up to 60% less CO2 than new cartridges.
“Every printer thrown away prematurely contributes to the depletion of natural resources and pollution”explains the association in its press release. The cartridges could be reused between three and seven times before truly becoming obsolete. Instead, HP prefers to recycle them as waste rather than allowing them to be reused.
A commercial strategy under close surveillance
The complaint highlights several questionable practices. HP would gradually reduce the quantity of ink in its cartridges while increasing their prices. Compatible or remanufactured cartridges cost 30 to 70% less than new HP cartridges, but the company is increasing the obstacles to their use.
“While we are talking about a purchasing power crisis and global warming, it is scandalous to see such practices developing on the French and European market with complete impunity”Flavie Vonderscher is indignant.
This complaint is part of a broader context of the fight against planned obsolescence. In France, this practice has been considered a crime since 2015. The HOP association has already obtained significant results: in 2020, Apple had to pay a fine of 25 million euros following a similar complaint.
HP is not the only printer manufacturer in the crosshairs of justice. Epson has been the subject of a preliminary investigation since 2017, suspected of blocking printing under the pretext that the cartridges are empty while there is still ink remaining.
- HP is the subject of a criminal complaint for planned obsolescence of its ink cartridges, sold for up to 7,500 euros per liter
- The company would remotely block remanufactured cartridges and those from other brands, forcing the purchase of new HP cartridges
- The practices denounced have a major impact on the environment and the purchasing power of consumers, while the cartridges could be reused up to seven times
