European remanufacturers rally to counter non-compliant imports and champion the circular economy.
The European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association (ETIRA) has unveiled an ambitious agenda for 2025, calling for stricter enforcement of EU standards and a renewed focus on sustainability to bolster the office imaging sector amidst economic turbulence.
“2025 will test our industry’s resilience,” said ETIRA President Javier Martinez. “But it’s also a chance to double down on compliance, sustainability, and fair competition.”
Battling non-compliance
ETIRA remains firm in its battle against the influx of non-compliant cartridges, which continue to erode market integrity. These products, often sold through online platforms, frequently lack mandatory CE markings, WEEE registrations, or REACH compliance.
“The unchecked flow of non-compliant imports undermines everything we’re working towards,” Martinez asserted. “2025 must be the year we see stronger enforcement and penalties across all EU member states.”
Pushing for sustainability
The association is leveraging the EU’s circular economy initiatives to spotlight the environmental and economic benefits of remanufactured cartridges. ETIRA aims to position these products as the cornerstone of sustainable printing, urging the adoption of transparency mechanisms akin to Digital Product Passports (DPPs).
“The demand for sustainable solutions is growing, and remanufactured cartridges are ideally positioned to meet that demand,” said Martinez.
Economic pressures
The backdrop of ETIRA’s 2025 agenda is an economically strained market, with rising costs pushing businesses to extend the lifecycle of existing printers and adopt cost-effective remanufactured consumables.
“This environment reinforces the need for high-quality, compliant remanufactured consumables,” Martinez said. “But it also underscores the importance of fair competition—non-compliant products hurt both the environment and the economy.”
A roadmap for change
ETIRA’s priorities for the year include:
- Enhanced enforcement: Collaborating with EU bodies to close regulatory loopholes.
- Sustainability advocacy: Promoting remanufactured cartridges as integral to EU green targets.
- Market transparency: Supporting DPP-like initiatives to ensure informed buyer choices.
- Member support: Equipping remanufacturers to navigate economic and regulatory challenges.
“2025 is a year of action,” said Martinez. “If we work together, we can overcome challenges and ensure a thriving, sustainable remanufacturing industry.”
