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What is the difference between OEM, Remanufactured and Compatible Cartridges?

An original or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cartridge is an inkjet cartridge that carries the brand name of the manufacturer on it, usually the same as the printer manufacturer - for example, Epson, Canon, Hewlett Packard, etc.   They are usually the most expensive option for buying ink cartridges.  Compatible ink cartridges are also brand new, but manufactured by third party manufacturers who have nothing to do with the original printer manufacturers.   Remanufactured or refilled cartridges have been used once, and recycled and refilled with third party ink.   Compatible ink cartridges are typically available for Epson, Canon and Brother printers, while remanufactured cartridges are generally available for HP, Lexmark and Dell printers.   Both compatible and remanufactured cartridges are significantly less expensive than their OEM equivalents.

Are Remanufactured Cartridges Inferior to new ones?

The quality of remanufactured toner cartridges has improved dramatically since they were introduced more than 20 years ago. High-quality remanufactured cartridges now undergo a process that makes them equivalent in performance, print quality and page yield to new models, and they meet all original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards and specifications.  Satisfaction is guaranteed on virtually every remanufactured toner cartridge.  The current remanufacturing process requires cartridges to be disassembled and inspected to determine any problem areas. Worn components are replaced with new parts, all sections are cleaned, and a fresh supply of toner is added before the cartridge is resealed.

If you are considering using compatible or remanufactured ink cartridges and worried about your printer warranty- don't be.   Just as it's illegal for your car dealer to require that only original parts be used to fix your car and in keeping with the European Union and America fair trade laws, the OEM's (printer manufacturers) are not allowed to void your printer warranty for using compatible and remanufactured toner or ink cartridges as can be seen in this support document from HP.

Gone are the days when companies used the "drill and fill" methods to refill cartridges without proper quality control.   In today's competitive scenario, every reputed company wants to prove its quality through continually upgrading its production measures. Remanufactured inkjet ink and toner cartridges are considered to be an intelligent choice for many companies as they reduce the cost by as much as 50 percent.   In addition, remanufactured cartridges often contain as much as 20 percent more ink or toner than new ones, and it is becoming increasingly common to hear today that many remanufactured cartridges even offer superior performance to their OEM equivalents.

Am I really helping the environment by using Remanufactured Cartridges?

The answer to that question is unequivocably yes!   Rather that sending non-biodegradable material straight to landfills and contributing to waste, consumers can use remanufactured cartridges several times over with refilled ink.    It is a well documented fact that over 3 gallons of oil goes into the production of every new inkjet toner cartridge.   Along with saving a significant amount of energy, the remanufacturing of inkjet toner cartridges and inkjet ink cartridges also provides relief to many environmental and health issues as the process considerably decreases the amount of plastic, metals and rubber used in incinerators.   

How can I recycle my cartridges? 

While it is estimated that 90 percent of cartridges produced are recyclable, only 20 percent of all cartridges actually get recycled.    According to Recharger Magazine, a publication resource for the printing industry, every second in the U.S. someone tosses an old ink cartridge into the waste stream.   Link 360 is an easy and efficient laser and ink recycling program we can implement for you through our partnership with United Stationers that can also earn you rebates and save your company money.   Please contact me for more information on how you can become part of the solution to this problem.

Conclusion 

One question that resonates in the mind of small, medium and even Fortune 500 sized businesses is how to reduce the printing costs of their enterprise.   If a business continues to invest in brand new printer toner cartridges, this can be be very difficult to achieve, especially in this economy as the cost of printer and toner cartridges continues to rise.     Remanufactured toner cartridges are a simple but effective way to reduce costs while simultaneously reducing our ecological footprint.     Through Indoff, while we offer the most competitive pricing available for OEM cartridges, we also offer a myriad of vendors and solutions that help businesses save money and save the environment at the same time.     Even OEM manufactures such as Xerox are getting into the remanufacturing game.    As your sustainable business products consultant, I welcome the chance to tailor a solution for you and your company that achieves your cost reduction and sustainability objectives without compromising quality, performance, or production.