Remanufactured Toner Cartridges: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Printing is a daily necessity, and with that comes the ongoing need to replace toner cartridges. One option many businesses consider is the use of remanufactured toner cartridges instead of purchasing new cartridges from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). On the surface, these remanufactured options may seem like a great way to save money and reduce environmental waste. However, there are underlying concerns that should not be ignored, especially when it comes to security risks.

What are remanufactured toner cartridges?

Remanufactured toner cartridges are used cartridges that have been collected, cleaned, repaired, and refilled with new toner. This process involves disassembling the cartridge to replace worn-out parts such as drums and blades while ensuring that all components meet quality standards. The goal is to restore the cartridge to a condition that allows it to perform like a new one.

This begs the question, do remanufactured toner cartridges work as well as new ones? The answer to that question is a complex one that we’ll try to answer for you in this post.

Here’s the breakdown of the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to remanufactured toner cartridges, and why OEM cartridges are often the better choice for safeguarding your operations.

The Good: Environmental and Cost Benefits of Remanufactured Toner Cartridges

• Cost savings. One of the key reasons businesses turn to remanufactured toner cartridges is the potential cost savings. Remanufactured cartridges are often priced significantly lower than their OEM counterparts, sometimes by as much as 30-50%. For companies looking to reduce operational expenses, this can seem like an attractive option.
  
  
• Environmental benefits. Remanufactured toner cartridges are marketed as an environmentally friendly choice. By refurbishing and reusing old cartridges, companies that produce these remanufactured versions help reduce landfill waste and conserve resources. This is especially appealing to businesses committed to sustainability initiatives.

However, as compelling as these benefits may be, they come with significant downsides that can ultimately negate the initial savings and environmental impact.

The Bad: Quality Concerns and Compatibility Issues

• Inconsistent quality. One of the primary issues with remanufactured toner cartridges is inconsistency in quality. These cartridges are refurbished from used parts, and the quality of the remanufacturing process can vary greatly from one supplier to another. Poor-quality remanufactured cartridges may result in printing problems, such as streaks, smudges, or faded text. These issues often lead to wasted paper, increased downtime, and additional repair or maintenance costs for printers.
  
  
• Compatibility issues. Compatibility is another common problem. While OEM cartridges are designed specifically for the printer models they are sold with, remanufactured toner cartridges are not always optimized for each machine. They may lack the precision engineering and firmware updates required to function properly in newer printer models. This can lead to operational inefficiencies, error messages, or, worse, damage to the printer itself.
  
  

The Ugly: Security Risks with Remanufactured Toner Cartridges

Perhaps the most significant downside of remanufactured toner cartridges is the security risk they pose. In recent years, cybersecurity has become a top concern for businesses of all sizes, and people often don’t realize that even printer components, like toner cartridges, can introduce vulnerabilities into an organization’s network.

OEM cartridges are manufactured with stringent quality controls and embedded security features that ensure they work seamlessly with your printers without compromising your systems. Many modern printers communicate over a network and have firmware that interacts with other systems. A poorly remanufactured cartridge can lack these security protocols, potentially allowing malicious actors to exploit the printer as an entry point to the broader network.

Additionally, some remanufactured toner cartridges may include cloned chips that bypass OEM security checks. These chips can introduce malware into the printer, which, once connected to the network, can compromise sensitive business data. With the rise of cyber threats like ransomware and network infiltration, even something as seemingly harmless as a remanufactured toner cartridge can become a gateway for an attack.

OEM cartridges, on the other hand, are designed with network security in mind. They typically undergo rigorous testing to ensure they do not introduce vulnerabilities, and the firmware on OEM cartridges is updated regularly to keep up with the latest security threats. This added layer of protection is critical for businesses that deal with sensitive information, such as healthcare organizations, financial institutions, or government agencies.

“Protecting network vulnerabilities is crucial for preventing data breaches, maintaining business continuity, and ensuring compliance with regulations,” said Ben Potaracke, Vice President of IT for Locknet Managed IT. “It safeguards intellectual property, mitigates financial risks, and enhances customer trust.”

Remanufactured Toner Cartridges vs OEM: Which Should You Choose?

When deciding between remanufactured toner cartridges vs OEM, there isn’t much of a choice where security is concerned. While remanufactured toner cartridges may offer short-term savings, the risks they pose far outweigh the benefits. For businesses where data security is paramount, choosing OEM toner cartridges is the safer and more reliable option.

OEM cartridges are also engineered to work optimally with specific printer models, which ensures smooth performance, consistent quality, and reduces the likelihood of printing errors. The printers and their cartridges are designed to work in harmony, resulting in fewer malfunctions, clearer prints, and reduced downtime. The higher upfront cost of OEM cartridges is often offset by the long-term savings in maintenance and the prevention of costly data breaches.

“By preventing cyber-attacks from network vulnerabilities, you are protecting your company’s critical infrastructure,” said Ben Potaracke, Vice President of IT for Locknet Managed IT. “You are also promoting a culture of security awareness and continuous improvement in your organization.”

Final Thoughts on Remanufactured Toner Cartridges

While remanufactured toner cartridges may appear to be a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution, they come with significant risks - namely, inconsistent quality, compatibility issues, and most importantly, potential security vulnerabilities.

For businesses that prioritize operational efficiency and data security, investing in OEM cartridges is a much wiser choice. Not only do they offer better performance, but they also provide the security features necessary to safeguard your organization’s network in an increasingly digital world.

As both a managed IT provider and a managed print provider, we understand how important network security is to the businesses we work with. We are SOC 2 Type 2 audited because we value information security as much as you do. If you’re seeking a secure technology partner for your business, we’re here to help.