ECS calls for tighter restrictions on the use of ‘remanufactured’ term
October 22, 2024
Effective Consumable Solutions (ECS) is calling for stricter enforcement of regulations governing the term “remanufactured,” citing growing concerns over greenwashing in the industry.
The company asserts that many suppliers and distributors are misleading consumers by loosely applying eco-friendly terms such as “remanufactured” to products that fail to meet genuine sustainability standards. In ECS’s view, this practice undermines consumer trust and the efforts of legitimate remanufacturers who adhere to rigorous, environmentally sound processes.
ECS claims that the majority of products marketed as remanufactured are simply drilled, sealed, and refilled, or worse, compatible cartridges infringing on patents. According to ECS, these products fall short of the technical expertise and investment required for true remanufacturing, a process that extends the life cycle of toner cartridges while maintaining performance standards. The company believes this misuse of terminology is misleading customers into believing they are making sustainable choices when, in reality, they are not.
Lauren Rabbitte, Associate Director at ECS, voiced concerns about the deceptive practices of some large industry players. “Not only are some large organisations within the industry selling and advertising falsely named remanufactured products, they also claim to remanufacture themselves, despite not having access to the infrastructure and supply of empty cartridges necessary to do so.”
ECS anticipates that forthcoming legislation, including the Empowering Consumers Directive and the Green Claims Directive, will play a critical role in curbing greenwashing. The company hopes these measures will better inform consumers and ensure that environmentally conscious purchasing decisions are based on truthful, transparent advertising.
For ECS, the push for stricter regulation is essential to safeguarding the remanufacturing industry’s integrity and ensuring customers are not misled.
Categories : World Focus
Tags : Consumers ECS Greenwashing Label remanufactured
