| We get asked this question a lot by customers | | | | The remanufacturing process consists of |
| who own an HP or Lexmark printer, especially | | | | sourcing empty cartridges that are suitable |
| ones who have previously owned an Epson or | | | | for remanufacturing. The majority of these |
| Canon printer. So why do the majority of HP | | | | are bought from brokers and the cost of which |
| and Lexmark compatibles ink cartridges cost | | | | varies tremendously, depending on the |
| more? Well, it's basically down to the design | | | | availability of the particular cartridge (new |
| of the ink cartridges these brands of printer | | | | cartridges to the market are generally more |
| use. Most HP and Lexmark printers use a | | | | expensive because there are less in |
| cartridge where the print head (the device | | | | circulation). Once the cartridges are |
| that puts ink the on the paper) is | | | | received each one is carefully inspected for |
| incorporated into the cartridge and cannot be | | | | any signs of damage. Cartridges that pass |
| removed. This means each time a new cartridge | | | | visual inspection are then thoroughly cleaned |
| is installed in the printer the print head is | | | | using state-of-the art equipment and then |
| also replaced. | | | | electronically tested to ensure the |
| | | | electronic circuitry on the cartridge is |
| Replacing the print head at each time the ink | | | | functioning. The next stage of the process is |
| runs out has a number of advantages in terms | | | | refilling, this is done using premium quality |
| of the quality and reliability of the print | | | | ink and highly accurate manufacturing |
| produced. The downside however, is that a | | | | equipment. On completion of the filling |
| print head is expensive to manufacture, it is | | | | process the cartridge is again inspected |
| a highly engineered electrical device which | | | | visually, electronically and under pressure |
| requires high levels of expertise and | | | | controlled conditions to ensure the unit is |
| technically advanced machinery to produce. | | | | suitably sealed (so that it doesn't leak). |
| You will not find third party companies | | | | The final stage is packaging, this involves |
| offering print head cartridges cheaper than | | | | placing the product in a uniquely designed |
| the branded products, because they are unable | | | | box which is clearly labelled with all |
| to manufacture them at a low enough price | | | | relevant product codes. The box will also |
| that would draw the consumer away the branded | | | | contain a freepost bag to return the |
| OEM product. Another downside to having a | | | | cartridge to the recycler when it has been |
| throwaway print head of every cartridge is | | | | used in order for it to be recycled again. |
| that its not very environmentally friendly in | | | | |
| terms of the energy it takes to produce it. | | | | As you can see this is not a process that can |
| Although HP and Lexmark do recycle the | | | | be done "while you wait". Due to the amount |
| materials used in their ink cartridges. | | | | of time and equipment needed to recycle ink |
| | | | cartridges the end product can be a little |
| So what are compatible HP & Lexmark | | | | bit more expensive compared to third party |
| cartridges? Compatible HP & Lexmark | | | | compatibles for Epson and Canon printers. |
| cartridges are remanufactured. This means the | | | | |
| cartridges have been recycled in an | | | | So why are Epson and Canon compatible |
| environmentally friendly way ready to be used | | | | cartridges cheaper? The reason for this is |
| again. So they just refill them with ink? No, | | | | that the majority do not contain a print head |
| remanufacturing and refilling are entirely | | | | and are therefore, simply ink tanks. These |
| different things. Remanufacturing is a much | | | | can be manufactured (in China mostly) in a |
| lengthier and thorough process; as a result | | | | very cost effective way and the end product |
| it produces a much more reliable recycled ink | | | | can be retailed at a much cheaper price |
| cartridge. | | | | compared to the equivalent OEM branded |
| | | | product. |