HP manufacturer accused of planned obsolescence

« A real ecological and financial scandal » : the Stop Planned Obsolescence association (HOP) announced on November 26 to file a complaint against the world leader in the printer sector, HP. After months of investigation, the association denounces « illegal, unfair and aggressive strategies » aimed at encouraging overconsumption of new brand cartridges and discouraging the use of cartridges from competing brands.

According to HOP, HP would remotely bug or even block competing cartridges that have been used more than once, without clearly informing the customer. « If there are no new cartridges of your brand in the printer, HP could even block the entire device in certain cases, preventing the use of the scanner which does not require ink to operate »suspects HOP.

HP would also make entire batches of cartridges obsolete. « Without transparency or clear information, cartridges declared “old generation” become unusable. »accusesONG.

Less and less ink in cartridges

Finally, HOP found that the cartridges most used by individuals contain, year after year, less ink: inside, the sponge which contains the ink is gradually reduced ; externally, the size of the cartridge remains unchanged. And prices are exploding, reaching up to €7,500 per liter. « An exorbitant cost compared to alternatives (compatible or reconditioned cartridges), which cost 30 to 70 % cheaper than cartridges HP new »notes the association.

For her, the manufacturer violates the regulations by resorting to planned software obsolescence practices (article L. 441-2 of the Consumer Code) and by hindering the repackaging or restoration of the functionalities of a product elsewhere than in its original packaging. commercial network (article L. 441-3 of the Consumer Code). The association is also launching a petition so that consumers can challenge manufacturers.

This appeal is not a first for HOP. Already in 2017, the association had filed a complaint against another behemoth in the sector: Epson. An investigation was opened, « the complaint is still pending »specifies HOP.