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Whether they’re trying to reduce spending on ink cartridges or are actually intent on reducing their impact on the environment, businesses and home users are increasingly purchasing remanufactured and refilled ink cartridges. Businesses are aiming to become more ‘green’, primarily by cutting down the amount of waste they produce.

These businesses can be uncertain about which method is reduces most waste: refilling ink cartridges or purchasing remanufactured ones. There are supporter for both sides, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both methods.

Advocates of refilling cartridges argue that the purchasing cost of remanufactured cartridges is higher than the cost of a toner refill kit. Using refill kits allow businesses to continue using their current printer cartridge and allows them bypass the manufacturing costs of remanufactured cartridges. They maintain that the refill kits basically do the same process, but are much more cost effective, and reduces waste.

Supporters of remanufactured ink cartridges, however, criticize these DIY-kits. IT experts claim that the using the kits may not have a 100% success rate. If toner leaks into the printer, problems such as the mess created, mechanical difficulties and printout quality inconsistencies may arise, which could discourage users from using refill kits. Not only is it time consuming to solve these problems, IT experts reckon, but it can also cause permanent damage to your printer. Moreover, they believe that the higher price paid for remanufactured cartridges is justified because there is a cartridge quality guarantee. Remanufactured cartridges have had other parts, aside from the toner reservoir, replaced, which ensures that the printout quality is more reliable.

The best option for your business depends on your business’ needs and the risks they’re prepared to take. Both refills and remanufactured cartridges have their advantages and disadvantages- the dilemma seems to lie in the price versus the compromise of print quality.

We stock a massive range of ink cartridges: from original cartridges for premium printing quality, to money-saving compatible (including remanufactured) cartridges.