Complaint Calls for Revocation of Environmental Certification for HP Printers Due to Firmware Updates

The International Imaging Technology Council (IITC), represented by Executive Director Tricia Judge, has filed a complaint urging the Global Electronics Council (GEC) to revoke the official environmental certification of approximately 100 HP printer models. The complaint alleges that HP's suspect firmware updates have violated environmental standards and accuses the company of engaging in "greenwashing" and false labeling.

The IITC, a trade association representing toner and inkjet cartridge remanufacturers, component suppliers, and cartridge collectors in North America, specifically addressed its concerns to the GEC, which manages the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) registry.

In the complaint letter, Judge criticized HP for undermining the EPEAT registration process, citing firmware issues and the company's manufacturing and production practices. The focus is on criterion 4.9.2.1 of the EPEAT, which mandates documentation confirming that a product does not prevent the use of non-manufacturer cartridges and containers.

However, despite having several EPEAT-certified printer models, HP's Dynamic Security update and HP+ subscription have been found to block non-HP ink cartridges, in clear violation of the aforementioned criterion.

While HP offers cartridge recycling in more than 60 countries and territories worldwide, the inability of other manufacturers to sell their recycled cartridges for use in HP printers has significant environmental implications. Additionally, consumers may face higher costs when constrained to using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ink.

The complaint identifies numerous business printer models, including those from the LaserJet, DesignJet, and OfficeJet families, on page 8 and 9 of the document, citing the Dynamic Security firmware update as the basis for the complaint. It also highlights models such as DeskJet, Envy, LaserJet, and OfficeJet in relation to the HP+ subscription service.

The IITC's complaint raises concerns about HP's practices and calls for a reevaluation of the company's environmental certifications, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to EPEAT criteria in order to promote sustainable and responsible printing practices.