New vs. Remanufactured Ink Cartridges

As we begin to rely more and more on computers, printer cartridges become more and more important in our everyday lives.  Until recently, printer cartridges were a one-use item, sort of like plastic water bottles.  Now, manufacturers are beginning to offer remanufactured printer cartridges.  I used some a while ago, and here are my thoughts comparing new printer cartridges with the remanufactured models for the same printer.

The Test

Overall performance of the two different cartridges is similar.  There is no noticeable color quality difference between the two cartridges, and both are just as easy to read, with no gaps in either lettering.  The two also printed very smoothly and fit into the cradle correctly.

As for the longevity of the ink cartridges, that is a different story.  The remanufactured model did not print as long as the new model, and overall didn’t have quite as much ink.  The computer also registered the cartridge to be relatively empty of ink, and I had to deal with “Low Ink Level” warnings throughout the life of the cartridge.  This was slightly annoying, but easy to get around.

Another low I noted was how the remanufactured ink cartridge was how it was packaged.  The new cartridge was packaged in a plastic bag, with a thin strip of plastic to keep the ink in the cartridge.  Although this is not very sustainable, it is more so than the packaging of the remanufactured cartridge.  It came in a plastic bag as well, but a thick, plastic case surrounded the cartridge to make sure the ink didn’t leak.  Unfortunately, there was no way for me to reuse it, and because of the area I live in, I could not recycle it at the curb and had to throw it out with my landfill garbage.

Overall, though, the remanufactured ink cartridge held its own against the new cartridge.

The Verdict

Although the remanufactured ink cartridge held up well overall, it really doesn’t offer that much more than a new ink cartridge.  Considering the more wasteful packaging and more frequent depletion of ink levels, remanufactured ink cartridges cannot be considered practical sustainability.

The Scores

·         Sustainability

o   Recycled Ink Cartridges: 5

o   New Ink Cartridges: 4

·         Practicality

o   New Ink Cartridges: 7

o   Recycled Ink Cartridges: 3

·         Overall

o   New Ink Cartridges: 5.5

o   Recycled Ink Cartridges: 4

Sustainable Alternative?

Another alternative to the above options is to refill ink cartridges after you have used all the ink.  I have not yet tested this alternative and will report back when I have finished.