HP Printers: EPEAT Certification, Firmware Locks & Remanufactured Cartridge Battle

HP faces renewed pressure to allow third-party and remanufactured ink cartridges in its printers, a move that could significantly impact both consumers and the environment. The International Imaging Technology Council (Int’l ITC) is calling on HP to align its practices with sustainability standards, specifically those outlined in the updated EPEAT 2.0 registry, despite HP’s recent actions suggesting a continued preference for proprietary ink solutions.

The EPEAT Standard and HP’s Resistance

EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) is a system designed to support purchasers identify environmentally preferable electronics. The Global Electronics Council (GEC) manages EPEAT and recently launched EPEAT 2.0, an updated set of criteria addressing climate change, circularity, chemicals, and responsible supply chains. EPEAT 2.0 represents a significant overhaul of the system, aiming to drive sustainability deeper into the electronics supply chain. While EPEAT 1.0 had basic requirements, EPEAT 2.0 aims for a more comprehensive approach.

One key aspect of the EPEAT criteria relevant to this situation is the requirement for manufacturers to either make remanufactured cartridges available or allow their leverage in registered products. The Int’l ITC argues that HP is actively circumventing this principle through firmware updates that block third-party ink. Specifically, HP released firmware 2602A/B on January 29, 2026, across eleven printer models, including the nearly nine-year-old OfficeJet Pro 7720 (HP OfficeJet Pro 7720). These updates appear to lock out non-HP cartridges, ostensibly for “security” reasons.

Tricia Judge, executive director and general counsel of the Int’l ITC, stated in an email to Ars Technica that HP is unique in its approach. “HP is the only one with lockout chips that are triggered using firmware ‘upgrades’ that claim ‘security’ as a justification for their existence. HP is the only one that misleads and frustrates its own customers when locking out the environmentally superior competition.”

Dynamic Security and Past Conflicts

This isn’t the first time HP’s ink practices have approach under scrutiny. In 2023, the Int’l ITC wrote a letter to the GEC requesting the revocation of over 100 HP printers from the original EPEAT registry due to HP’s “Dynamic Security” technology. Dynamic Security allows HP to block cartridges through firmware updates, even if they are genuine HP cartridges that were not purchased through authorized channels. The GEC ultimately denied this request.

According to Judge, EPEAT 1.0 was too lenient, allowing HP to claim compliance by burying statements about not interfering with remanufactured cartridges in marketing materials. EPEAT 2.0 aims to address this loophole, though Judge admits it isn’t “airtight.”

The Circular Economy and Environmental Impact

The core of the issue lies in the principles of the circular economy. Remanufactured ink cartridges offer a more sustainable alternative to purchasing new ones, reducing plastic waste and conserving resources. Third-party manufacturers often remanufacture cartridges, cleaning and refilling them for reuse. HP’s restrictions on these cartridges hinder this circular process.

The environmental benefits of remanufactured cartridges are significant. Manufacturing new cartridges requires the production of new plastic components and the extraction of raw materials. Remanufacturing, primarily involves cleaning, refilling, and quality control, resulting in a substantially lower environmental footprint. Blocking these options forces consumers to rely on new cartridges, increasing waste and resource consumption.

EPEAT 2.0 Adoption and Printer Registration

As of March 13, 2026, EPEAT 1.0 lists 38,291 registered devices, while EPEAT 2.0 has only 163. Notably, no printers are currently registered under EPEAT 2.0. This suggests that the transition to the new standard is still in its early stages, and the GEC is likely working to register more devices, including printers. EPEAT criteria for photovoltaic modules are more nuanced due to embodied carbon thresholds, but the core principles of sustainability apply across product categories.

HP’s Response (or Lack Thereof)

HP did not respond to Ars Technica’s request for comment on this matter. This silence further fuels the Int’l ITC’s criticism, which characterizes HP’s behavior as prioritizing profits over sustainability commitments. The trade group argues that HP presents itself as a sustainability leader but fails to proactively align its products with environmental standards.

What Comes Next

The situation remains fluid. The Int’l ITC will likely continue to pressure HP and the GEC to strengthen EPEAT criteria and enforce compliance. The GEC is expected to continue registering devices under EPEAT 2.0, potentially including printers in the future. Consumers can also play a role by demanding more sustainable practices from printer manufacturers and supporting companies that prioritize the circular economy. Whether HP will change its approach remains to be seen, but the growing scrutiny suggests that the company’s current practices are increasingly unsustainable – both environmentally and from a public relations perspective.