The Ninestar import ban in the US sparks concerns for European remanufacturers and challenges the CSR commitments of European companies as ETIRA calls for vigilance.
The recent US ban on Ninestar and its subsidiaries due to forced labour allegations is causing ripples in the European remanufacturing sector. It’s also shining a spotlight on European companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments. The European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association (ETIRA) has called for vigilance, emphasizing that trading with Ninestar may contradict ethical and sustainability pledges.
In June, the US imposed a comprehensive import ban on Ninestar and its affiliates, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act as the reason.
ETIRA swiftly urged European entities to cease transactions with these companies. Now, ETIRA members are reporting challenges stemming from the Ninestar scandal.
Vincent van Dijk of ETIRA expressed concerns, saying, “The US ban on Ninestar is impacting our members in Europe. Asian manufacturers, looking for alternative markets, are offering cheaper, single-use cartridges, intensifying the competition for remanufacturers.”
He added, “This situation also places scrutiny on European companies’ CSR commitments. Trading with a company involved in forced labor clearly contradicts these policies.”
In August, The Recycler reported that Ninestar sued the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for its unexplained ban on Ninestar products in the US market. The lawsuit challenges Ninestar’s inclusion on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, which the company claims has unjustly harmed its business and reputation. Ninestar seeks a preliminary injunction to suspend the ban’s implementation. They argue that the DHS’s forced labor association lacks factual support and undermines fair competition. Ninestar aims to correct the record and restore its legitimate US operations.
ETIRA highlights that as much as 70% of ink and toner cartridges in Europe are discarded after the first use. Remanufacturing them can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 60%, aligning with sustainability goals.
Amidst competition from lower-cost Asian alternatives, European firms now face the challenge of aligning their CSR policies with ethical business practices. The Ninestar ban underscores the importance of responsible supply chain management.
