Are “Compatible” Toner Cartridges Really an ESG Win?

A lot of organizations promote compatible toner cartridges as an ESG initiative... but is it actually improving sustainability?... or is it just reducing operating costs?... or is it really accomplishing either?

Here’s the honest breakdown:

1. Not all compatible cartridges are created equal.

Truly re-manufactured toner cartridges were once an OEM original brand cartridge where the core has been reclaimed (through a recycling/collection program) and has been refurbished and refilled. These cartridges can somewhat lower your footprint however they are not usually the cheapest compatible you can buy.

In order to keep up with an overwhelming demand for cheap toner cartridges along comes the New-Build Compatibles (made from all-new plastic, and in most cases from one-time use plastics because it's cheaper) which really offers no environmental benefit—and often causes more waste from failures and reprints. To add insult to injury new build compatible cartridges are not recyclable because they are made with one-time use plastics. So, even though you think you may have taken a cartridge out of the environmental loop by not buying a new OEM cartridge, when you unknowingly purchase a new build compatible because you believe it is a re-manufactured/reclaimed toner cartridge, you actually put one right back in to the loop. Unfortunately new-build compatibles made with one-time use plastics by far and away represent the majority of the products you will find on on-line discount toner web sites.

2. Yes, compatible cartridges can reduce your footprint—if done right.

High-quality truly re-manufactured cartridges support:

- Less plastic waste - because the core is reused

- Lower manufacturing emissions - because there is significantly less production/manufacturing involved

- A more circular economy

Poor-quality new build compatibles can actually increase waste.

Bottom line: Product Quality Matters.

3. Let’s be real… printing less is the biggest ESG lever.

Cartridges are a small part of the equation. Paper, energy, reprints, and workflow inefficiencies make up the bulk of the environmental impact.

The sustainability hierarchy looks like this:

 1) Print less / create digital work flows

 2) Use right-sized efficient devices 

 3) Recycle properly

 4) Choose truly re-manufactured cartridges not new build compatibles

Compatible toner is step 4.

Printing less is step 1.

4. The Takeaway

Using truly re-manufactured toner can support ESG goals when it’s high quality and part of a broader print-reduction strategy. But if your only sustainability move is switching to the cheapest cartridges you can find … you’re missing the real opportunity.

The greenest print job is the one you never have to print.