The global printing and imaging supplies industry is depicted as a cutthroat arena, reminiscent of the brutal power struggles in Game of Thrones. The narrative draws parallels between the fictional world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and the real-life dynamics of the industry, where betrayal, manipulation, and survival are the norms.
The industry is characterized by ruthless pricing wars, backroom deals, and strategic eliminations of competitors. One notable example is the ban on Ninestar in the USA, ostensibly for human rights violations. Critics argue that this ban is a calculated move by a rival to eliminate a formidable competitor, masking it under the guise of moral concerns. The U.S. aftermarket’s reaction to the ban is seen as hypocritical, with many ignoring worse labor abuses in other parts of the world where cartridges are remanufactured.
The STMC (Standardized Testing Methods Committee), originally created to ensure quality and testing standards, is now accused of being weaponized to undermine the aftermarket. Printer OEMs are criticized for framing aftermarket chips as security risks while secretly pushing firmware updates that lock out competitors.
In Europe, ETIRA (European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association) has been vocal against Chinese-made cartridges. However, their recent field tests, which sampled only 50 units, are dismissed as insufficient and biased. ETIRA’s stance is seen as hypocritical, given that its members sell products manufactured by Chinese suppliers.
Meanwhile, in China, the industry has undergone a transformation with the adoption of AI and robotics in production. While this has led to innovations and high-quality cartridges, it has also resulted in oversupply. Millions of cartridges are being dumped into global markets at low prices, fueling price wars and decimating smaller players. Historically, the U.S. remanufacturing industry has suffered greatly, with the number of remanufacturers dwindling from 7,000 to fewer than 100.
The narrative emphasizes that the real threat to the industry is the decline in printing itself. End users are abandoning traditional printing habits, posing a greater existential threat than internal competition. Analysts and researchers, likened to the Night’s Watch in Game of Thrones, warn of this impending shift, urging the industry to adapt or face extinction.
In conclusion, the industry is embroiled in its own Game of Thrones, with various factions vying for supremacy. However, the ultimate challenge lies in adapting to changing consumer behaviors. The message is clear: winter is coming, and only those who embrace change will survive.
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