After previously targeting Apple in 2017 and 2023, the organization Stop Planned Obsolescence (HOP) is now setting its sights on HP and its printers.
Printers Without Planned Obsolescence
In a statement released on their website, HOP announced that a lawsuit has been filed against the leading printer manufacturer, HP, for planned obsolescence of ink cartridges
. HOP conducted a months-long investigation that allegedly uncovered practices deemed scandalous
and prohibited in France
. The organization highlights what it perceives as illegal, unfair, and aggressive strategies by HP that promote the overconsumption of new, brand-specific cartridges. These practices are harmful to consumers and the environment
.
HOP has identified three main objectionable practices. Firstly, HP disables some cartridges by causing glitches—or even blocking—cartridges that have been refilled and are not sold by the company itself, without clearly informing customers. From there, in scenarios where no new HP brand cartridges are present in the printer, HP might even block the entire device, preventing the use of components like the scanner, which does not require ink to operate.
The second issue concerns the amount of ink within the cartridges, which environmental groups call an absurdity
. It appears that the ink volumes in cartridges most commonly used by individuals are decreasing each year with prices reaching up to €7,500 per liter
. Lastly, the third point of contention involves the expiration dates of the cartridges. Entire batches of cartridges are rendered obsolete, without transparency or clear information
. The issue here is that these “old generation” cartridges become unusable
.
An Online Petition
To support HOP’s initiated legal action, a public petition aimed at manufacturers of printers and ink cartridges
has been launched online to advocate for printers without planned obsolescence
.
In the closing remarks of the statement, HOP underscores a critical issue—the environmental impact of cartridges. According to the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), remanufactured cartridges emit up to 60% less CO₂ than new cartridges and can be refilled three to seven times before they become obsolete
. It’s also noted that Apple was fined 25 million euros in 2020 following a complaint by HOP. In 2022, another lawsuit was filed against Apple for obstructing iPhone repairs.