“7,500 euros per liter of printer ink”: HP targeted by a complaint for planned obsolescence

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Printer manufacturer HP is facing serious accusations. The HOP association filed a complaint on November 26, 2024 for ” planned obsolescence of products by software » and « hindering reconditioning ». In the crosshairs: commercial practices that would force consumers to buy only new cartridges from the brand, sold for up to 7,500 euros per liter of ink.

Remote blockages

HP would use particularly aggressive methods to maintain its stranglehold on the cartridge market. “HP seeks at all costs to ensure that cartridges are used only once. “It's dishonest for consumers and harmful to the environment,” says Flavie Vonderscher, head of advocacy at HOP.

The American company would remotely block cartridges that are not its brand using the chip and software of the printers. Even more surprising, even HP cartridges refilled by competitors would become unusable. This practice can go as far as preventing the use of the printer's scanner, a feature that does not require any ink.

A considerable environmental impact

The printing sector has become emblematic of planned obsolescence. According to ADEME (the Agency for Ecological Transition), the manufacture 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”, the association explains in its press release. The cartridges could be reused between three and seven times before they become truly obsolete. Instead, HP prefers to recycle them as waste rather than allow their reuse.

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A commercial strategy under high surveillance

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The complaint highlights several questionable practices. HP is said to be gradually reducing the amount 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 barriers 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 justice system's sights. Epson has been under preliminary investigation since 2017, suspected of blocking prints under the pretext that the cartridges were empty when there was still ink left.

• 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 reconditioned cartridges and those of 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

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