HP Firmware Update Sparks Sustainability Concerns Over Third-Party Ink

HP’s practice of using firmware updates to block third-party ink cartridges is facing renewed scrutiny following the launch of EPEAT 2.0, a stricter standard for sustainable electronics. The updated registry, launched in December 2025, explicitly addresses the blocking of alternative consumables, potentially jeopardizing HP’s product certifications.

What is EPEAT 2.0 and Why Does it Matter?

The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) is a global ecolabel that rates electronics based on their environmental impact. EPEAT 2.0, launched by the Global Electronics Council (GEC), expands the criteria for certification to include a focus on circularity, responsible supply chains, and climate change mitigation. A key component of the new standard prohibits software blocking of refurbished or alternative cartridges.

HP’s “Dynamic Security” and the Controversy

HP utilizes a system called “Dynamic Security,” implemented through firmware updates, which the company states is designed to protect against counterfeiting and security risks. However, critics argue that this system effectively disables ink cartridges that do not have original HP chips. On January 29, 2026, HP released firmware version 2602A/B, expanding the functionality of Dynamic Security and affecting at least eleven printer models, including the OfficeJet Pro 7720.

International Imaging Technology Council Raises Concerns

The International Imaging Technology Council (Int’l ITC), a trade group representing manufacturers of alternative cartridges, has strongly criticized HP’s actions. The Int’l ITC argues that HP is prioritizing profit over sustainability by implementing the firmware update after the launch of the stricter EPEAT 2.0 rules. According to the Int’l ITC, HP is the only company employing firmware-activated blocking chips while simultaneously claiming security benefits.

The Importance of Cartridge Refurbishment and the Circular Economy

The dispute over third-party ink cartridges has broader environmental implications. Refurbished cartridges are a crucial part of the circular economy, allowing for the repeated employ of plastics and electronic components. Blocking their use increases waste and reduces competition in the cartridge market.

What’s Next for HP and EPEAT 2.0?

It remains to be seen whether the GEC will deem HP’s practice incompatible with EPEAT 2.0 criteria. If so, it could jeopardize HP’s product certifications, which are often considered by government and educational institutions during purchasing decisions. As of March 18, 2026, no printers are listed in the new EPEAT 2.0 registry, with only 163 products transferred from the older EPEAT 1.0 system out of over 38,000 registered devices. HP currently has over 500 printers registered in EPEAT 1.0, many of which likewise meet the Climate+ designation.