New York, NY --In a statement sure to draw some reactions, Martin Venter of OKI Printing Solutions has spoken out against remanufactured cartridges. He referred to the industry itself as a “‘problematic’ fringe industry”.
Venter believes original toner is better because it is produced in a controlled environment where “facilities are optimised for low emissions, enter a supply chain which is designed for sustainability, and ultimately, at end of life, are recycled in an appropriate manner.” He also cited the export of used cartridges to third-world countries as problematic.
Despite the higher financial cost, Venter feels that the price one pays up front is worth it in the long run. OEM ink goes through rigorous testing to ensure it meets standards, which sets it apart, according to OKI.
While we at Castle Ink do see Venter’s points, lumping all non-OEM ink together as one may not be the answer either. As other authors have seen, such as PC World’s Serial Refiller, not all refills or remanufactured cartridges have the same results. Additionally, places like ILG who manufacture compatible toner have invested money in facilities that are likely on the same level as some OEMs. And lastly, if all remanufactured ink was that bad, would Ink-O-Dem have been as successful as they have been these past few months getting their machines put on large university campuses?
