HP has, once more, ignited a storm of controversy by employing firmware updates to prevent the utilization of third-party ink cartridges. The updated iteration of the EPEAT 2.0 standard, an environmental evaluation tool for electronic products established by the Global Electronics Council (GEC), mandates that manufacturers offer both original and non-original refilled ink cartridges for their registered products. Yet, in late January and February of 2026, HP implemented firmware updates for 11 printer models, effectively rendering a significant quantity of eco-friendly refilled ink cartridges non-functional. This action is linked to allegations from the International Imaging Technology Council (Int'l ITC) that HP has contravened the EPEAT 2.0 standard. Despite HP's involvement in the standard's drafting process, its printer products have not secured EPEAT 2.0 certification as of yet. The Int'l ITC has chastised HP for placing profit above environmental obligations and for misleading consumers by obstructing eco-conscious competitors. This dispute not only touches upon the compatibility of third-party consumables but also encompasses the execution of corporate environmental duties and the upholding of equitable competition within the industry.