What Are Eco Ink Cartridges? - Know More About Them

Eco ink cartridges are those that are more environmentally friendly. Why are they more environmentally friendly? Here’s the answer to that question.

The plastic cartridge that comes in your printer or other office equipment is completely reusable. In older models, you could refill them yourself. It was messy business and sometimes the quality of the ink was not as good. But, it was an affordable alternative, particularly for businesses that did a lot of printing.

Most of the newer models make use of printer cartridges that includes a computer chip. The manufacturers say that the chips are designed to let the consumer know that the cartridge is running low, nearly empty. The chip sends a signal to the printer, which then sends a signal to your computer, letting you know that it is time to change the printer cartridge.

An inkjet cartridge or toner cartridge that has this kind of chip cannot be refilled by the average consumer. While there is a tool available to reset the chip after the cartridge is refilled, it is an expensive item, difficult to find and not that easy to use. So, refilling is pretty much out of the question, at least for the consumer.

What the consumer can do is return the cartridge for recycling. The cartridge will then join other Eco ink cartridges at a company that “remanufacturers” them.

These companies clean off the plastic and check the cartridge inside and out for damage. They have the tools necessary to reset the chips on all the different makes and models. Different tools are needed for different brands.

Once the chip is reset and the inkjet cartridge is refilled, it is packaged almost like a new one and ready to sell to the consumer for a much lower price than the one charged by the original equipment manufacturer.

If your printer was made by Hewlett Packard, you can buy Eco ink cartridges. If it was made by Epson, Lexmark or any other major manufacturer, you can choose the more environmentally friendly option, rather than ordering a new one from the original manufacturer.

The inks are the same. The usability and installation is the same. The quality of the items that you print turns out the same. But, you pay less and you use a recycled item.

With the alternatives available, there is really no reason to spend the extra money, as long as you can find a remanufactured product. If you cannot find a remanufactured item, you might find one that is compatible, but still costs less. Often the compatible versions are Eco ink cartridges, too.

Was this helpful? 0 0 Comments

You're reading What Are Eco Ink Cartridges? - Know More About Them.