The Best Eco Printer Brands
Which printer brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Printers comparison table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Why is it important to buy from ethical printer companies?
With more people working from home than ever before, demand for home printers has risen sharply. This makes it increasingly important to consider the ethics and sustainability of the printer brands we choose. Some printer companies are linked to human rights concerns, environmental destruction, and involvement in the defence and fossil fuels industries, meaning that purchasing decisions in this sector can have real-world consequences. The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones comparison table allows consumers to compare brands across a range of ethical criteria and identify which companies operate to the highest standards. Researching and rating brands on ethical criteria since 2001, The GOOD Shopping Guide is one of the UK’s most trusted independent sources of ethical technology information. Opting for brands in the green section of the table is the simplest way to ensure your purchase supports responsible business practices.
The market for sustainable printers UK consumers can trust has grown considerably in recent years, driven by rising awareness of e-waste, ink cartridge pollution, and the environmental cost of printer manufacturing. Printer brands are increasingly expected to demonstrate credible sustainability credentials — but marketing claims should always be verified against independent research. Our Ethical Printers comparison table cuts through the noise and gives you the full picture.
Can I recycle my printer ink cartridges?
Used printer ink cartridges are a significant source of environmental waste. An estimated 45 million used ink cartridges are thrown away in the UK every year, taking up to 1,000 years to biodegrade in landfill while leaching toxic chemicals into the environment. However, the good news is that the vast majority of cartridges are recyclable. Many printer brands now offer return schemes that allow consumers to send back empty cartridges for recycling, preventing them from entering landfill. Checking whether your printer brand offers a printer ink recycling scheme is a straightforward step towards reducing the environmental impact of your printing habits.
An increasingly popular alternative to disposable cartridges is the refillable ink tank printer. Rather than replacing cartridges, these printers use large reservoirs that can be topped up with bottled ink, dramatically reducing plastic waste and long-term running costs. Refillable ink tank printers are now widely available in the UK and represent one of the most practical steps an eco-conscious consumer can take when purchasing a new printer. Check our Ethical Printers comparison table to see how brands offering refillable ink systems score across our ethical criteria.
Is recycled printer paper better for the environment?
Paper production carries a significant environmental cost: it takes approximately 24 trees to produce a single tonne of paper. While printer paper accounts for only a small share of total global deforestation, being mindful of paper consumption remains important. Choosing FSC-certified printer paper, which is produced to stricter environmental standards, is a good starting point. Opting for recycled printer paper goes further still, as it reduces the demand for virgin wood pulp and helps limit deforestation. Reducing overall printing volumes by avoiding unnecessary print jobs and making use of digital alternatives is equally important for minimising environmental impact. For a full breakdown of how we assess brands across environmental, supply chain and human rights criteria, visit our How We Rate page.
Our research findings: Printer brands to avoid in your search for an eco printer
Several printer brands in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s research have been flagged for serious ethical concerns. Kyocera receives the lowest score in the category, having been marked down for supplying components to the fossil fuels and aerospace and defence industries, linking the brand to environmental destruction and the human costs of conflict. HP has also attracted criticism for human rights concerns: in 2020, the brand was identified by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute as using Chinese suppliers linked to Uyghur forced labour. HP has additionally been criticised for testing its printer ink on animals, a practice that raises serious animal welfare concerns. Consumers wishing to avoid these issues should consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones comparison table before purchasing.
The most ethical printer brands to choose from for an eco printer
We were pleased to see that many printer brands met our ethical benchmark. There are several sustainable printer UK consumers can choose from within our research that offer options for an eco printer without compromising your values. Brother receives an excellent score within our research and was found to have a clean record on human rights issues. Check our comparison table to see which other printer brands appear in the green section. Brands that hold The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation have been independently verified to meet our ethical benchmark — find out more about the benefits of Ethical Accreditation.
Is printing bad for the environment?
Printing has a measurable environmental impact, from the energy and materials used in manufacturing printer hardware to the ongoing consumption of ink, paper, and electricity. When choosing a printer, it is also worth looking out for energy efficient models — those carrying Energy Star certification meet internationally recognised standards for low energy consumption, and many modern printers feature automatic sleep modes that reduce electricity use significantly. Before investing in a printer, it is worth considering whether it is genuinely necessary. Tablets and e-readers make digital reading more accessible than ever, emails should only be printed when essential, and high-quality free spreadsheet and document software removes the need to produce paper copies of many documents. Public libraries, universities, and community centres often offer printing facilities for a small cost, and sharing a printer with a neighbour or colleague is another practical way to reduce demand. When a printer is needed, choosing a brand that scores highly on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones comparison table ensures that your purchase is as responsible as possible.
It is also worth considering the longevity and repairability of your printer. Cheap printers that break down quickly and cannot be repaired are not a sustainable choice — they contribute to growing levels of e-waste and often cost more in the long run. The Right to Repair movement has gained significant traction in the UK, with the Government introducing regulations requiring manufacturers of certain electronics to make spare parts available. When purchasing a printer, opt for a model from a brand with a strong durability and repairability record, and look for brands that offer take-back programmes for old devices.
Your choice of printer sits within a broader set of ethical technology decisions. See our Ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets comparison table and our Ethical Mobile Phones comparison table for guidance on making sustainable choices across all your technology purchases. For brands that have gone further and sought independent verification of their ethical standards, visit our Top 200 Ethical Businesses page.
See our Ethical Printers comparison table to compare brands
The GOOD Shopping Guide’s researchers have thoroughly investigated each of the brands that appear on our Ethical comparison tables. To learn more about a brand’s ethics, history, sustainability certifications, and policies, click on the name of the brand.
Why is it important to buy from ethical printer brands?
With more people working from home than ever before, demand for home printers has risen sharply. This makes it increasingly important to consider the ethics and sustainability of the printer brands we choose. Some printer companies are linked to human rights concerns, environmental destruction, and involvement in the defence and fossil fuels industries, meaning that purchasing decisions in this sector can have real-world consequences. The Good Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table allows consumers to compare brands across a range of ethical criteria and identify which companies operate to the highest standards. Opting for brands in the green section of the table is the simplest way to ensure your purchase supports responsible business practices.
Can I recycle my printer ink cartridges?
Used printer ink cartridges are a significant source of environmental waste. An estimated 45 million used ink cartridges are thrown away in the UK every year, taking up to 1,000 years to biodegrade in landfill while leaching toxic chemicals into the environment. However, the good news is that the vast majority of cartridges are recyclable. Many printer brands now offer return schemes that allow consumers to send back empty cartridges for recycling, preventing them from entering landfill. Checking whether your printer brand offers a cartridge recycling scheme is a straightforward step towards reducing the environmental impact of your printing habits.
Is recycled printer paper better for the environment?
Paper production carries a significant environmental cost: it takes approximately 24 trees to produce a single tonne of paper. While printer paper accounts for only a small share of total global deforestation, being mindful of paper consumption remains important. Choosing FSC-certified printer paper, which is produced to stricter environmental standards, is a good starting point. Opting for recycled printer paper goes further still, as it reduces the demand for virgin wood pulp and helps limit deforestation. Reducing overall printing volumes by avoiding unnecessary print jobs and making use of digital alternatives is equally important for minimising environmental impact.
Which printer brands have been linked to human rights and ethical concerns?
Several printer brands in The Good Shopping Guide’s research have been flagged for serious ethical concerns. Kyocera receives the lowest score in the category, having been marked down for supplying components to the fossil fuels and aerospace and defence industries, linking the brand to environmental destruction and the human costs of conflict. HP has also attracted criticism for human rights concerns: in 2020, the brand was identified by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute as using Chinese suppliers linked to Uyghur forced labour. HP has additionally been criticised for testing its printer ink on animals, a practice that raises serious animal welfare concerns. Consumers wishing to avoid these issues should consult The Good Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table before purchasing.
Is printing bad for the environment?
Printing has a measurable environmental impact, from the energy and materials used in manufacturing printer hardware to the ongoing consumption of ink, paper, and electricity. Before investing in a printer, it is worth considering whether it is genuinely necessary. Tablets and e-readers make digital reading more accessible than ever, emails should only be printed when essential, and high-quality free spreadsheet and document software removes the need to produce paper copies of many documents. Public libraries, universities, and community centres often offer printing facilities for a small cost, and sharing a printer with a neighbour or colleague is another practical way to reduce demand. When a printer is needed, choosing a brand that scores highly on The Good Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table ensures that your purchase is as responsible as possible.
Is Brother an ethical printer brand?
Brother sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across most assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Human Rights credentials, though it receives acceptable rather than top ratings for its Code of Conduct and Other Criticisms assessments. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Brother with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is OKI an ethical printer brand?
OKI sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Human Rights, and Conflict Minerals credentials, though it falls short in its Armaments rating and receives acceptable rather than top marks for its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide OKI with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Xerox an ethical printer brand?
Xerox sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Code of Conduct credentials, though it falls short in its Fossil Fuels, Armaments, and Political Donations ratings. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Xerox with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Epson an ethical printer brand?
Epson falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Code of Conduct credentials, though it falls short in its Fossil Fuels and Other Criticisms ratings and receives acceptable rather than top marks for its Political Donations. Consumers seeking printer brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Lexmark an ethical printer brand?
Lexmark falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Code of Conduct credentials, though it falls short in its Armaments, Political Donations, and Human Rights ratings. Shoppers seeking printer brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is HP an ethical printer brand?
HP falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Code of Conduct credentials, though it falls short in its Political Donations, Human Rights, and Other Criticisms ratings. Those seeking printer brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Canon an ethical printer brand?
Canon falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Code of Conduct credentials, though it falls short in its Fossil Fuels, Armaments, Human Rights, and Other Criticisms ratings and receives acceptable rather than top marks for its Political Donations. Consumers seeking printer brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Kyocera an ethical printer brand?
Kyocera falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Code of Conduct credentials, though it falls short in its Nuclear Power, Fossil Fuels, Armaments, and Human Rights ratings — including a bottom rating under the Human Rights+ category, which is applied in cases where a brand has attracted a particularly serious or extensive record of human rights concerns. Those seeking printer brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Printers, Scanners & All In Ones Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.