Circular Planet: A Closed-Loop Farce Disguised as Sustainability?

January 22, 2025

Circular Planet, the much-celebrated OEM-led cartridge collection initiative, recently marked its first anniversary, hailing the collection of 2.6 million print consumables and boasting that nearly 40% were “sent back to OEMs for reuse.” On the surface, it seems like a sustainability success story, but upon closer inspection, this programme raises significant concerns.

What Does “Reuse” Actually Mean?

The term “reuse” is at the heart of Circular Planet’s claims, but its meaning is far from clear. Does it mean cartridges are reused as cartridges — cleaned, refilled, and returned to market? Or does it refer to the mere recycling of parts? The lack of clarity leaves room for significant greenwashing.

Moreover, sending 40% of the collected cartridges “back to OEMs” does not guarantee they are reused in any meaningful way. OEMs could just as easily dismantle, recycle, or even discard these cartridges without ever returning them to their intended purpose. Without transparency or third-party oversight, these claims of “reuse” seem hollow at best and misleading at worst.

Numbers That Don’t Add Up

Circular Planet’s collection of 2.6 million cartridges represents less than 1% of the estimated 300–400 million OEM cartridges placed on the European market annually. Of those, only around one million cartridges were supposedly “reused” — a figure that pales in comparison to the programme’s lofty sustainability rhetoric.

And what about the logistics? The idea of cartridges collected in southern Spain being sent to the Netherlands, processed at a Polish facility, and then returned to the original printer in Spain raises serious questions about economic, environmental, and social benefits. Is this truly circularity, or just a wasteful shuffle masked as sustainability?

Undermining the Reuse Sector

For over 25 years, independent remanufacturers have championed true circularity by reusing cartridges multiple times, reducing waste and lowering environmental impact. In contrast, Circular Planet centralises cartridge returns to OEMs, cutting off access to high-quality reusable cores for the independent sector.

For every cartridge collected under Circular Planet, one less cartridge is available for independent remanufacturers, who have long demonstrated their commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of print consumables. This monopolisation of the cartridge lifecycle undermines open circularity and exacerbates the supply shortage, leaving smaller players in the reuse sector struggling to survive.

A Veil for Unfair Competition?

OEM control of the cartridge collection and reuse process raises serious questions about anti-competitive practices. By monopolising access to used cartridges, OEMs can restrict independent remanufacturers from competing, stifling consumer choice and driving up costs. This lack of competition benefits no one except the OEMs themselves.

Is this a collaborative sustainability effort, or simply a cartel-like operation disguised as an environmental initiative? The absence of freely available empty cores and transparent pricing reinforces these concerns.

The Way Forward

Circular Planet’s first year has revealed what’s possible — and what’s problematic. If the programme is to genuinely contribute to a sustainable future, it must redefine its approach:

  • Clarify “Reuse”: The term must unequivocally mean reuse as a cartridge, not mere recycling or disposal of parts.
  • Ensure Transparency: Independent audits must verify the fate of collected cartridges, holding OEMs accountable.
  • Collaborate with the Reuse Sector: Circularity must involve all stakeholders, not just a monopolistic few.

At ETIRA, we call for a balanced approach that upholds the principles of the circular economy, ensuring sustainability is not just a corporate PR exercise. The next chapter of Circular Planet must be about inclusivity and genuine environmental stewardship. Let’s hold them accountable to that standard.

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ETIRA’s 2025 Vision: Tackling Non-Compliance and Championing Sustainability

January 13, 2025

As Europe’s office imaging market enters 2025, ETIRA calls for more vigorous enforcement and a unified push towards sustainable, compliant remanufacturing.

The European office imaging market faces a pivotal year in 2025, marked as a tipping point where rising economic pressures and tightening regulations reshape the industry. The European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association (ETIRA) is intensifying its efforts to tackle long-standing challenges and seize emerging opportunities for its members.

“2025 will test our industry’s resilience,” said Javier Martinez, ETIRA president. “But it’s also a chance to double down on compliance, sustainability, and fair competition.”

The Compliance Battle Intensifies

A top priority for ETIRA is addressing the ongoing influx of non-compliant imports. Despite years of advocacy, cartridges failing to meet EU standards—lacking CE markings, WEEE registration, or REACH compliance—continue to dominate market share, often entering through online platforms.

ETIRA highlights a growing EU-wide effort to hold online marketplaces accountable. An Online Sales Compliance team at the European Parliament is actively working to make platforms fully responsible for the products sold. ETIRA is engaging with this team to drive progress and align strategies.

“The unchecked flow of non-compliant imports undermines everything we’re working towards,” said Martinez. “2025 must be the year we see stronger enforcement and penalties across all EU member states.”

ETIRA urges greater collaboration among national authorities, industry stakeholders, and EU institutions like ECHA (REACH) and Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) to eliminate regulatory loopholes and penalize offenders.

Sustainability as a Growth Driver

With the EU’s circular economy agenda gaining momentum, 2025 represents a significant opportunity for compliant remanufacturers. ETIRA is championing remanufactured cartridges as cost-effective, environmentally responsible alternatives perfectly aligned with EU sustainability goals.

“The demand for sustainable solutions is growing, and remanufactured cartridges are ideally positioned to meet that demand,” said Martinez.

ETIRA strongly advocates for the inclusion of product criteria similar to those envisioned for Digital Product Passports (DPPs). These criteria would provide essential information about a product’s compliance, sustainability credentials, and remanufacturing history, empowering buyers to make informed choices.

Economic Challenges in 2025

The backdrop for ETIRA’s efforts is a challenging economic environment. Corporate bankruptcies surged in 2024, and the new year brings heightened inflation, rising energy costs, and interest rates.

These pressures are influencing office imaging sector trends. Businesses are increasingly opting for remanufactured cartridges as value-driven alternatives while delaying investments in new printers, relying instead on existing equipment.

“This environment reinforces the need for high-quality, compliant remanufactured consumables,” said Martinez. “But it also underscores the importance of fair competition—non-compliant products hurt both the environment and the economy.”

Looking Forward: ETIRA’s 2025 Agenda

ETIRA’s roadmap for 2025 includes:

  • Advocacy for Fair Competition: Collaborating with EU institutions to strengthen enforcement against non-compliant imports and create a level playing field.
  • Promoting Sustainability: Raising awareness about the benefits of remanufactured cartridges in achieving EU circular economy targets.
  • Digital Product Passport-Type Information: Championing DPP-like product information to enhance market transparency and reward compliant businesses.
  • Supporting Members: Providing resources and advocacy to help remanufacturers navigate economic and regulatory challenges.

A Vision for the Future

As Europe’s office imaging market adapts to the complexities of 2025, ETIRA remains committed to protecting and promoting its members’ interests. The association aims to secure a stronger, more competitive future by prioritising compliance, sustainability, and collaboration.

“2025 is a year of action,” said Martinez. “If we work together, we can overcome challenges and ensure a thriving, sustainable remanufacturing industry.”

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ETIRA: New Non-OEM Cartridges – A Threat to Compliance, Sustainability, and Public Health

November 28, 2024

Recent compliance checks reveal widespread violations of EU regulations, endangering the environment and the health of citizens.

BRUSSELS/BREDA – 28 November 2024—The European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association (ETIRA) has issued an urgent warning to European buyers: new non-OEM cartridges are high-risk and often blatantly illegal. ETIRA investigations revealed that 75% of these products fail to meet EU standards, with only 8% fully compliant. In contrast, remanufactured OEM cartridges performed significantly better, with 85% meeting most or all regulations.

Key Findings from ETIRA’s Compliance Checks

From July to November 2024, ETIRA reviewed approx. 50 new non-OEM toner and remanufactured OEM cartridges across Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Romania, Spain, and Italy. Products were sourced from major suppliers, including Plate Bürobedarf, Kaut-Bullinger, Ribbex, Backhausen, HQ-Patronen GmbH, TonerPartner GmbH, “Stefan Brogno tintendienst.de,” Tonerdumping., Hispamicro, Muchocartucho, Inkcloud, Inforpor (Xerox), Linsed, Life 365 Italy, Alphaink, Ecostore, Buffetti, TS Bohemia, Mall/Allegro, and Compatible cz.

Key results:

New Non-OEM Cartridges:

  • 75% failed basic documentary compliance checks regarding permanent CE and Wheelie bin marks, entry in the national WEEE registry, and, where required, packaging registry and Declaration of Conformity.
  • Packaging frequently lacked accurate supplier information, or only listed suppliers outside the EU.
  • Often carried the CE logo without meeting the EU standards it stands for
  • Instances of false labelling as being a remanufactured OEM product

One of the most troubling findings was the non-compliance of products purchased from Ribbex, a prominent supplier in Germany. Cartridges in boxes labelled as “Rebuilt” and “Made in Germany” were, in fact, new non-OEM cartridges imported from SE Asia by a Portuguese entity.

Remanufactured OEM Cartridges:

85% were relatively compliant, with only one supplier missing from the national WEEE registry.

Hazardous Practices Continue

These findings echo ETIRA’s product tests performed in the past, which showed new non-OEM toner cartridges often failed hazardous chemical checks, including decaBDE and toner emissions. These products endanger public health, the environment, and legitimate businesses.

ETIRA Demands Stronger Enforcement

ETIRA is taking decisive action by reporting violations to national market surveillance authorities and exposing buyers of non-compliant products.

“The EU’s circular economy demands stronger enforcement against hazardous chemicals and illegal goods,” said Javier Martinez, ETIRA President. “Over 30% of the market is illegal, threatening fair competition, environmental care, and consumer health—urgent action is essential.”

What Buyers Should Know

ETIRA reminds buyers and suppliers that non-OEM cartridges must comply with REACH, WEEE, and other EU directives. Importers are responsible for ensuring compliance, and failure to do so risks legal penalties.

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ETIRA Raises Concerns Over Misuse of Certification by ECOService

October 1, 2024

ETIRA, the European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association has made an official complaint to the International Testing and Certification body (ITC SRL) regarding the misuse of certification labels by the Italian company ECOService. ETIRA’s concerns relate to the improper use of the ITC label.

As confirmed by ITC, their labels do not hold any accreditation of, nor can they issue certifications regarding ecolables or even specific products. However, it appears ECOService is applying its ITC certificate as if it is an ecolabel certifying its toner and inkjet products.

Following our protest, ITC acknowledged that the ECOService certification in question is merely a “Certificate of Conformity” to an internal ITC document ITC/03/23, tied to CAM requirements, but in no way an official ecolabel or product certification.

Public tenders in Italy, a common platform for the procurement of remanufactured cartridges, often stipulate the need for Class 1 ecolabels. This requirement, while promoting sustainability, has inadvertently fostered a culture of misuse by many companies, including ECOService. For the last 3 years, ETIRA has brought to light instances where resellers, in a bid to meet these demands, have presented counterfeits or new products labelled as remanufactured in their offers to tenders. Another stark example of this trend was the infamous January 2024 Italian National Police tender case. That case centred on the supply of counterfeit toner cartridges to regional police and a hospital. The company won the bid by offering lower prices but was later found to be supplying non-original cartridges with fake manufacturer labels. The reseller was incarcerated, and later it turned out that he was also tied to a company that made improper use of the Italian Elabel! ecolabel.  Following ETIRA’s protests, this company lost its Elabel! accreditation.

CAM Requirements in Focus

Public procurement in Italy is governed by the Criteria Ambientali Minimi (CAM), or Minimum Environmental Criteria, which outline the environmental standards that products must meet in public tenders. These criteria, part of Italy’s Green Public Procurement policies, ensure that products like remanufactured cartridges are sustainable, requiring lifecycle assessments, recycling, and reduced emissions. Misusing ecolabel certifications undermines the effectiveness of CAM, leading to unfair competition in tenders and posing a risk to Italy’s sustainability goals.

This development highlights ETIRA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards in the remanufacturing industry and preventing any misuse of certifications that could undermine market integrity.

Catalonia Bans Single-Use Printer Cartridges

July 12, 2024

Catalonia has enacted a new waste law emphasizing circular economy principles, a significant step towards environmental sustainability. The legislation, inspired by similar measures in the Balearic Islands, aims to revolutionize waste management across various sectors, including document printing.

ETIRA (European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association) has been actively engaged in discussions with Catalonia’s Waste Prevention Agency. These discussions have focused on the new law and the broader implementation of circular criteria in document printing. Key strategies include extending the lifespan of devices and reusing consumables, which are crucial for reducing economic and environmental costs.

“The new waste law in Catalonia has a strong circular ambition and includes several measures from the Balearic waste law, which Mr. Sebastia Sanso presented at the FOE last year. ETIRA has been contacted by the Waste Prevention Agency to discuss not only this specific topic but also the implementation of circular criteria in document printing. This involves extending the lifespan of devices and reusing consumables to reduce both economic and environmental costs. ETIRA recognizes and appreciates the commitment of the Catalan Waste Agency (ARC) and the Center for Telecommunications and Information Technologies (CTTI) in leading the ‘Circular Economy’ initiative,” stated ETIRA.

A cornerstone of the new law is the ban on single-use printer cartridges and toners, effective January 1, 2025. This measure is part of a broader prohibition on single-use items and non-recyclable products. Other significant bans include:

  • Prohibition of single-use plastic utensils and food containers in restaurants.
  • Ban on the sale and distribution of products containing micro and nanoplastics.
  • Large food retailers are required to allocate 20% of their sales area to bulk or reusable packaging.
  • Ban on providing plastic bags of any thickness at points of sale and for home deliveries.
  • Prohibition on non-rechargeable razors in the Catalan market from January 1, 2025.

Catalonia, located in northeastern Spain, is a significant economic powerhouse contributing substantially to the country’s GDP. With its capital, Barcelona, Catalonia boasts diverse commercial activities, including manufacturing, services, tourism, and technology.

The region is renowned for its dynamic industrial sector, encompassing the automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Catalonia’s ports, particularly the Port of Barcelona, serve as crucial hubs for international trade, facilitating extensive import and export activities.

These bans are aligned with Catalonia’s goal to reduce waste and promote the reuse of materials, fostering a culture that moves away from single-use products.

ETIRA’s collaboration with Catalonia’s authorities signifies a solid commitment to a sustainable future. The new law sets a precedent for other regions by incorporating circular economy principles in document printing, highlighting the importance of innovation and responsibility in waste management.

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ETIRA Secures Victory for Sustainability in Spanish Airport Authority Tender

July 1, 2024

In a landmark achievement for sustainability, the Spanish airport authority, AENA, has agreed to include remanufactured printer cartridges in their tender process following the intervention of ETIRA (European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association). This decision marks a significant step towards promoting reuse, a core principle of the European Green Deal.

Previously, AENA’s tender specifications required only OEM printer cartridges, to ensure product quality following concerns about extremely poor quality of “Compatibles” thereby disadvantaging the reuse sector. Recognising the potential environmental impact, ETIRA, led by President Javier Martinez and supported by Secretary General Vincent van Dijk, vigorously lobbied for a change in the tender requirements.

ETIRA’s efforts have paid off, as AENA has now revised its tender to accept remanufactured cartridges produced in Europe. This change supports the circular economy and ensures compliance with stringent environmental standards. Remanufactured consumables may be accepted, provided they originate exclusively from the European Union and demonstrate the highest quality and environmental respect through a Type I environmental label in accordance with ISO 14024.

AENA’s compromise with sustainability is clear, and it has taken a new step forward. Most of the company branches are EMAS-certified.

Javier Martinez expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This decision by AENA is a significant win for sustainability and the environment. It demonstrates the value of remanufacturing and supports our goal of reducing waste and promoting reuse.”

Vincent van Dijk added, “We are delighted that AENA has recognized the importance of including remanufactured cartridges. This sets a positive precedent for other organizations to follow.”

ETIRA’s successful advocacy underscores the importance of collaboration and persistence in achieving environmental goals, paving the way for a greener future in Europe.

Beware of Illegal Printer Cartridges:

May 28, 2024

Beware of Illegal Printer Cartridges: A Call to Action from ETIRA-  ETIRA model protest letter

At the recent The Recycler Live conference, Javier Martinez brought to light a pressing issue facing our industry: the prevalence in the EU market of non-OEM newbuilt printer cartridges that fail to comply with EU regulations. Javier Martínez presented eye-opening research and a stark warning to consumers and industry professionals alike.

The Scope of the Problem

ETIRA’s research reveals that one-third of printer cartridges sold in Europe are non-compliant with EU standards. These newbuilt cartridges, often manufactured in China, lack proper labelling and safety information, making them both illegal and potentially hazardous. The environmental impact is staggering, with these non-compliant cartridges contributing to 420,000 tons of e-waste annually in Europe alone. Moreover, they are responsible for causing early damage to 20% of printers, exacerbating the e-waste problem.

Legal and Environmental Hazards

These newbuilt non-OEM cartridges do not meet critical EU regulations such as CE marking, WEEE, RoHS, and REACH. They often omit essential labels like the waste bin icon, misleading consumers about the appropriate disposal methods and increasing environmental risks. By avoiding these compliance measures, manufacturers reduce costs but at the expense of consumer safety and environmental health.

The Importance of Consumer Education

Educating consumers is crucial in distinguishing between legal and illegal cartridges. ETIRA recommends remanufactured OEM cartridges, particularly those made in Europe, as the best legal and environmentally friendly option. These cartridges comply with all EU regulations and offer significant environmental benefits. By shifting to remanufactured cartridges, we can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 45-60% and lower consumer costs by as much as 60%.

Taking Action

ETIRA calls for increased vigilance and regulatory enforcement to combat the sale of these illegal cartridges. Consumers and businesses should demand proper documentation and report any non-compliant products to authorities. ETIRA has a model letter, available upon request, that members may send to public bodies, to insist that public tenders comply with all EU legal requirements. By ensuring that the cartridges we purchase and use are legal, we can protect our environment and promote sustainable practices within our industry.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory compliance and industry and consumer awareness. The proliferation of illegal, non-compliant newbuild printer cartridges poses significant environmental and public health risks. We can drive positive change in the industry by choosing remanufactured OEM cartridges and supporting compliant practices. ETIRA remains committed to advocating for a safer, more sustainable future in the toner and inkjet remanufacturing sector.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s act now to ensure the cartridges we use are safe, legal, and environmentally friendly. For more information and to stay updated on our initiatives, visit our website at etira.org.

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ETIRA/The Recycler Live Conference in Brussels: EU Ecodesign Rules Take Centre Stage!

May 25, 2024

An eventful gathering of industry leaders

On 15-16 May 2024, ETIRA held its annual meeting in Brussels, coinciding with “The Recycler Live Europe” conference. With around 95 delegates attending, this event once again proved to be the premier gathering for industry professionals to network and stay updated on the latest industry trends.

Day One Highlights

José Ángel Muñoz

The conference kicked off on Wednesday with a compelling presentation about the market in war-torn Ukraine. Following this, Jose Angel Munoz of GM Technology provided insights into the hardware reuse market in Spain. Karolina Wrzesniak-Cywl of Biuromax then discussed the crucial role of components and spare parts in cartridge remanufacturing.

The spotlight of the day was on the forthcoming EU ecodesign legislation for imaging equipment and cartridges. HP introduced its innovative approach to sharing chip resetting data with the industry, marking a significant shift compared to its current business model ETIRA’s Javier Martinez and Vincent van Dijk, along with Volker Kappius from Delacamp, delved into the new law’s implications, emphasising its potential to transform the cartridge remanufacturing landscape.

Keynote Address

Mathieu Rama, a Senior Programme Manager at ECOS,

Mathieu Rama of ECOS, a European NGO focused on environmental standards, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the alignment of ECOS’s initiatives with the EU’s Right to Repair policy and advocated increased cartridge reuse. Bram Soenen from the Belgian Government provided insights into the general support for regulation among Member States.

ETIRA Members’ Meeting

At the ETIRA members’ only meeting, attendees reviewed and approved finance and other statutory matters. A significant portion of the discussion centred on the anticipated impact of the upcoming EU regulations on the ecodesign of printers and cartridges on daily business operations.

Networking and Awards

The evening reception and dinner, featuring the presentation of The Recycler’s Annual Awards, offered excellent networking opportunities. Delegates mingled and celebrated industry achievements.

Day Two Insights

Deborah Hawkins, Director within the Office Document Technologies Group and Peter Mayhew, Principal Analyst, Keypoint Intelligence,

Thursday’s sessions featured presentations from market analysts, including Charlie Brewer of Action Intelligence and Debra Hawkins and Peter Mayhew from Keypoint Intelligence, who shared the latest market research data. Additionally, Zhono provided valuable market insights, and industry veteran David Connett concluded the day with an analysis of the non-OEM new builds market.

Acknowledgements

ETIRA extends its heartfelt thanks to the event organisers, Stefanie Unland from The Recycler Magazine, David Connett from Connett & Unland GbR, and the numerous sponsors who made this event possible, including Static Control, Altkin, Biuromax, Denner, KMP, Consuprint, Delacamp, Geehy/APEX, and Nubeprint.

Our Sponsors and Supporters

The support from our sponsors is crucial to the success of our conference. Their contributions enable us to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and innovation. We deeply appreciate their commitment and support.

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ETIRA AGM and The Recycler Live: Registration now open

April 4, 2024

Registration for The Recycler Live Conference, in partnership with ETIRA, is officially open, marking an essential date for professionals and enthusiasts within the office imaging sectors. Scheduled for May 15-16, 2024, this event will take place in the heart of Brussels at the Martins Hotel EU, just a few hundred metres from the EU!

This year, the conference is all about change, aiming to spotlight the current and future trends across the sectors. From market insights and embracing change, the evolution and future of OEM remanufacturing, the way we work roller coaster, cartridge legality and compliance, regulatory shifts reshaping the imaging consumables landscape and a look at the European new build market.

Then there is what happens in Brussels, which goes around the world. ETIRA has been at the forefront of lobbying and promoting reuse and the independent imaging sector, and they have a lot to share. At the same time, we are collating our insights session, during which our business leaders share their perspectives on the market now and the changes they envisage.

Stefanie Unland, the director of The Recycler Live, emphasised the significance of Brussels as a venue, stating, “Brussels is at the heart of everything that happens in Europe and our conference venue, so close to the EU corridors of power, presents the perfect backdrop for this event.” The conference is designed to share the latest knowledge and information and create a dynamic environment for learning and networking.

The Recycler Live Conference promises to be a convergence of minds and ideas that could pave the way for the office imaging sector, reflecting the global movement towards sustainability. Attendees can expect to leave the conference enriched with new insights, strategies, and potentially transformative connections in the industry.

The ETIRA AGM will be held on the 15th of May, and the timings will be confirmed shortly.

Take advantage of the special Early Bird promotion for the Recycler Live Conference: for a limited time, take advantage of our 50% off the 2-for-1 registration offer! This unique opportunity allows you to attend for free, and a colleague or friend can attend this pivotal event and receive a 50% discount. Look for the registration information and links in our next AGM update newsletter.

Early registration ensures your place at the forefront of knowledge, information, and discussions and maximises your participation’s value. Don’t miss this chance to join like-minded professionals and experts in Brussels for an event that promises to reshape the future of the industry. Secure your spot now and double the impact with this exclusive Early Bird special.

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