After filing two complaints against Apple in 2022 and 2023, The french NGO HOP, known as Stop Planned Obsolescence in English, is now filing a complaint against the largest printer manufacturer, HP, for its ink cartridges programmed obsolescence.
HP, which aspires to be “the world’s most environmentally friendly and equitable company”, is allegedly implementing software strategies that have a heavy impact on consumers and the environment. Stop Planned Obsolescence denounces practices designed to make users reliant on the brand’s cartridges, creating a true ecological and financial scandal. For Stop Planned Obsolescence, these techniques are tantamount to the offense of programmed obsolescence.
After months of investigation, we have decided to inform the Public Prosecutor of HP’s practices, which we consider scandalous in 2024, but above all forbidden in France. Stop Planned Obsolescence denounces HP’s illegal, unfair and aggressive strategies aimed at inciting overconsumption of the brand’s new cartridges. These practices are detrimental to both consumers and the environment.
Stop Planned Obsolescence accuses HP of voluntarily limiting the use of reconditioned cartridges, despite the consumer’s interest of the latter and the development of the circular economy. HP is doing everything in its power to dissuade consumers from using alternatives, yet legitimate given the price of the brand’s new cartridges and the French law.
The facts, identified, documented and presented in our complaint, can be assimilated, according to Stop Planned Obsolescence, to practices of programmed obsolescence in violation of the French Consumer Code.
For Stop Planned Obsolescence, they are also contrary to the new offense prohibiting professionals from hindering the reconditioning or restoration of a product’s functionality outside their own sales network.
HOP raises the alarm and calls on the Public Prosecutor to open an investigation as quickly as possible.
Consumer purchasing power and environmental protection are at stake.
Stop Planned Obsolescence denounces these practices
HP renders some cartridges unusable
HP would cause cartridges that have been used more than once, and which the company does not sell, to bug or even jam remotely. Without telling the consumers properly.
In the absence of new HP-brand cartridges in the printer, HP could even block the entire device in some cases, preventing the use of the scanner, which requires no ink to operate.
HOP denounces a coercive strategy that forces users to buy only new HP cartridges despite their high cost or, more recently, to subscribe to HP printing services.
The most used cartridges by consumers have less ink, with prices up to €7,500 per liter
The inquiry conducted by Stop Planned Obsolescence reveals that HP is gradually reducing the amount of ink in its cartridges, while increasing their price, reaching up to €7,500 per liter. An exorbitant cost, compared to alternatives (compatible or reconditioned cartridges), which cost 30 to 70% less than new HP cartridges. As soon as you open a cartridge, the evidence is clear: the sponge containing the ink visibly shrinks from year to year, while the outer layer of the cartridge remains unaltered. The same goes for the amount of material and resources used to print fewer pages. An aberration, according to environmental associations.
Arbitrary expiration dates for HP cartridges
HP has reportedly rendered entire batches of cartridges obsolete, under the pretext of “updating” them. Without any transparency nor clear information, the “old generation” cartridges become therefore unusable. It’s difficult to assess the damages, given the opacity of these practices. This would suggest a major waste of resources and money.
The ecological impact of cartridges
According to ADEME (The French Agency for Ecological Transition), reconditioned cartridges emit up to 60% less CO₂ than new cartridges, and could be refilled three to seven times before becoming obsolete.
Epson
Stop Planned Obsolescence had already filed a complaint against the Epson brand for programmed obsolescence in 2017. An investigation was opened, based on the old offense of programmed obsolescence, which has since been amended by the legislator to make it more effective. This complaint is still pending.
It’s the fine Apple had to pay in 2020 following a complaint from Strop obsolescence. In 2022, a new complaint for hindering iPhone repairs was filed.
Petition: We want printers without programmed obsolescence!
Printers have become a symbol of programmed obsolescence. That’s why Stop Planned Obsolescence is launching a public petition aimed at printer and ink cartridge manufacturers. We invite all citizens to ask manufacturers to put an end to their programmed obsolescence strategies.
