German consumer body confirms: Remanufactured is as good as original !

In October 2009, the independent German test research center Stiftung Warentest again confirmed that non-original cartridges are cost-effective, same-quality alternatives to original cartridges (OEM), and do not damage printers !
In October 2009, just like in September 2008, October 2007 and January 2007, the highly reputable German independent test agency Stiftung Warentest again confirmed that it is smart to buy non-original cartridges. Saying that non-original ink is getting better all the time, the alternative brands print as good as the original. The test results (in German) can be found on http://www.test.de/themen/computer-telefon/test/-Druckertinte/1688240/1688240/1686385/

In October 2007, Stiftung Warentest came to the same conclusions: it is smart to buy non-original cartridges. (see the German-language summary of the full report at: www.test.de/themen/computer-telefon/test/-Tintentankstellen
/1577780/1577780/1578654/).

The October 2007 findings build on a January 2007 test report by the same Stiftung Warentest, which also confirmed that non-OEM cartridges are as good as OEM, and that major savings can be made when non-OEM is used, particularly in the case of Epson and Canon.
The January 2007 report also states that, contrary to OEM-statements, non-original cartridges do not damage the printer: in long-run tests, none of the 17 tested printers failed to print the 5,000 pages. The quality of the print-outs after this number was equal to the original reference print.

The test agency therefore recommends consumers the use of non-original cartridges.

These findings clearly rebutt the usual non-independent studies (paid for by the OEM's) that arrive at opposite conclusions.

A summary of the January 2007 conclusions (in German) can be found on http://www.test.de/themen/computer-telefon/
test/-/1494471/1494471/1493857/