HP Faces Scrutiny Under New Sustainability Rules for Blocking Third-Party Ink Cartridges

HP Accused of Violating EPEAT 2.0 Standards

HP is facing renewed criticism regarding its long-standing practice of using firmware updates to block third-party ink and toner cartridges. The International Imaging Technology Council (Int'l ITC) claims that the company's latest firmware rollout conflicts with the requirements of the newly launched Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT 2.0). This global sustainability standard explicitly forbids manufacturers from preventing the use of remanufactured cartridges.

The Conflict Between Firmware and Sustainability

Introduced in December 2025, EPEAT 2.0 sets stricter guidelines for environmentally responsible electronics. A key provision for the imaging industry requires that certified devices must not block remanufactured cartridges, whether produced by the original manufacturer or a third party. However, HP recently released firmware version 2602A/B, which extends the company's "Dynamic Security" feature. This update disables third-party cartridges using non-HP chips on at least 11 models, including older devices like the OfficeJet Pro 7720.

Tricia Judge, the Int'l ITC's executive director, argued that HP is unique in its persistence to use firmware updates for enforcing cartridge lockouts. She noted that while HP promotes itself as a leader in sustainable design, its actions prioritize profits over the spirit of the new environmental framework.

Corporate Defense vs. Consumer Rights

HP maintains that its Dynamic Security measures are designed to protect consumers from counterfeit products and potential cyber threats. Critics, however, describe the practice as a form of digital rights management that restricts consumer choice and undermines waste reduction efforts.

Currently, no printers have transitioned to the new EPEAT 2.0 registry, while thousands of products remain listed under the older, less prescriptive version. The Int'l ITC views HP's recent firmware update—released after EPEAT 2.0 went into effect—as a direct test of the new standard's enforceability. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between sustainability policies and corporate control over hardware functionality.