Adrienne Spear

Brother

Brother notably focused on laser/LED-based supplies launches in 2024, with no new ink cartridge introductions during the year. Following their January 3 introduction alongside seven A4 B&W devices, Brother’s TN830 series supplies gained multiple new online placements. The supplies debuted in the brick-and-mortar channel at Staples during the same month. The launch was the latest in a string of updates to Brother’s laser/LED lineup that began in October 2023. Since that time, Brother introduced three open channel supplies series and nearly three dozen new printer models, marking the largest lineup refresh for the OEM in the last decade.

Canon

Canon U.S.A. introduced its latest A4 B&W imageCLASS models in September, launching four new printers targeting the small office and home office (SOHO) segment. Alongside these new devices, Canon unveiled its 072 mono toner cartridge series, which serves as the generational replacement for the 051 series that debuted in 2018. The new supplies provide improved printing costs, with both standard and high-capacity cartridges offering reductions in cost-per-page (CPP) versus their predecessors.

In September, Canon U.S.A. launched three new PIXMA all-in-one printers along with the new PGI-230/CLI-231 six-color ink series. The new inks support the PIXMA TS8820 A4 AiO, while the two other models, the PIXMA G3290 and PIXMA G4280 MegaTank AiOs, are compatible with the existing GI-21 ink bottles. The launch updated Canon’s home printing portfolio and followed a similar launch in Japan in August.

Epson

In November, Epson introduced the Expression Photo XP-8800 A4 inkjet AiO, the newest member of its Expression Photo lineup, alongside the 340 Claria Photo HD Ink series. The launch brought the replacement of the 2.5-year-old Expression Photo XP-8700 and its compatible 312 Claria Photo HD Inks, which debuted in 2017. The 340 ink supplies gained initial reseller availability at Amazon shortly after launching.

HP

On March 7, HP announced the launch of its newest Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series, which features new 218 series TerraJet supplies. HP markets that its TerraJet toner line features up to 27% reduced energy consumption and up to 28% reduced plastic usage, while also using as much as 71% less plastic in packaging than traditional toner cartridges. The Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series supplies (218A/218X toners) also feature 11% more vivid colors and 18% faster printing speeds compared to their predecessors.

HP announced the launch of its All-In Plan in February, offering customers an all-inclusive printer and ink supplies subscription for a monthly fee. The All-In Plan combines HP’s flagship Instant Ink service with printer hardware and 24/7 support, allowing customers to “never own a printer again.” The service includes plans starting at $6.99 per month and going up to $35.99 per month. The launch of the All-In Plan was expected, as HP’s Tuan Tran stated that the service would debut in Q1 2024 during the company’s 2023 Securities Analyst Meeting held in October 2023.

HP’s 68 series ink supplies and compatible Envy printer models became available from the vendor’s US webstore in Q3, aligning with OpenBrand’s previous reporting that the lineup was expected to be released on September 16. The 68 series inks, along with the Envy 6555e and Envy 6155e all-in-one printers, also became available to ship from major online retailers, including Amazon, BestBuy.com, OfficeDepot.com, Staples.com, and Walmart.com. HP formally announced the new lineup at its Imagine 2024 event on September 24, 2024.

Lexmark

Lexmark formally announced its refreshed 9-Series and 8-Series lineup in Q2, introducing all new mono and color laser supplies that support the vendor’s internally developed A3 and A4 models. Lexmark stated that nine open channel models would become available in June, with additional models slated for release in Q1 2025, although the other models have already emerged at the vendor’s US website. The entire lineup is supported by the same 26 supplies SKUs, bringing significant consolidation to Lexmark’s supplies portfolio while simplifying serviceability.

Xerox

In July, Xerox announced via LinkedIn the launch of its C325/DNI A4 small workteam color MFP, releasing all new color toners for the device and its forthcoming SFP sibling, the C320/DNI. The supplies include both Use & Return and Return Optional toner cartridges that were first spotted in the two-tier distribution channel and emerged shortly after at Xerox’s direct US website. The supplies have since gained distribution in the online reseller channel.

Brother

Brother implemented significant changes to its page-based Refresh EZ Print Subscription service in Q3. The vendor expanded the Refresh EZ service to include new bonus features within its higher volume tiers, rebranding them as “Best for Business” plans. In addition, Brother reduced its Basic 20-page mono toner plan from $0.89 a month to free, incentivizing low print volume customers to try the service with no long-term commitment. The vendor has also readjusted the page limits and pricing structure for several of its plans, raising CPPs for lower volume tiers for both ink and color laser customers. These significant enhancements to the Refresh service demonstrate the importance of the subscription service as part of Brother’s growth strategy.

Canon introduced its most compelling promotion yet for the PIXMA Print Plan subscription service, offering new enrollees four free months of printing—an incentive that significantly outpaced previous offers. The timing was aligned with the holiday season, suggesting a calculated effort to boost enrollment and expand its subscription base.

HP

In July, OpenBrand confirmed HP’s plans to discontinue Instant Ink for Toner, which was due to stop allowing new customers from enrolling in the service at some point in late 2024. The phase-out followed the discontinuation of HP+ LaserJet printers beginning in late 2023 and into 2024. HP stated in part, “HP regularly reviews its portfolio and makes adjustments to adapt to changing customer needs. Customer experience is our top priority, and we will continue to address the requirements of customers printing on Laser products with quality products and services.”

Lexmark

In Q1, Lexmark confirmed the discontinuation of the Printer + Toner option within its OnePrint subscription service. All mentions of the printer option were removed from Lexmark’s North American and European websites, indicating that the service was no longer available to new customers. OpenBrand reached out to Lexmark to confirm the discontinuation. Lexmark introduced the Printer + Toner expansion to its OnePrint service in early 2023.

Brother

Brother raised pricing on the bulk of its open channel printer supplies portfolio. OpenBrand recorded price increases at Brother’s direct US website in May, with individual increases on laser supplies ranging from 5% to 7%. In total, Brother raised prices on 131 SKUs by an average of 5%, impacting roughly 84% of the vendor’s actively selling laser supplies portfolio. Brother also raised pricing on 127 ink SKUs by an average of 6%, impacting roughly 78% of the vendor’s assortment.

Canon

Canon U.S.A. raised prices on printer supplies tracked by OpenBrand in March, with increases ranging from 5% to 20% on 27 ink SKUs. The price increases were identified at Canon’s direct US website and impacted both ink and laser supplies. This was the third price increase implemented by Canon on ink supplies since 2022, representing accelerated pricing action from the OEM.

Epson

In August, OpenBrand data specialists identified increased prices on Epson’s portfolio of wide format ink supplies. The inks, which support a wide range of photo and graphics SureColor and Stylus series models, saw an average 6% increase across roughly 150 SKUs tracked by OpenBrand (although additional graphics inks outside of OpenBrand’s coverage were also impacted). The changes occurred roughly two years after Epson last raised prices on its wide format ink portfolio and approximately four months after a major supplier, Sun Chemical, raised wholesale prices on pigments and pigment dispersions.

In September, OpenBrand data specialists identified widespread price increases across Epson’s consumer ink supplies portfolio. Price hikes were observed on a wide range of Epson ink SKUs, affecting both standard and high-capacity cartridges, as well as ink bottles. The price increases ranged from 3% to 17%, with the most significant adjustments affecting ink bottles and multipack products. In total, over 90 SKUs were impacted by this upward pricing adjustment.

HP

HP raised prices on its Instant Ink subscription service on January 23, impacting roughly 12 million customers globally. OpenBrand reported on the forthcoming changes in December 2023 following the emergence of forum posts from customers who were notified of the price increases in Germany, the UK, and Australia. Monthly ink plans in the US increased by as much as 50.5% with the Light 10-page plan. The pricing change followed less than three months after HP issued widespread price increases on its transactionally sold ink and toner cartridges on November 1, 2023.

Exactly one year later, on November 1, 2024, HP again issued widespread price increases to both its ink and laser supplies portfolios, impacting roughly 94% of its actively selling open channel SKUs. Price increases ranged from 2% to 6%, averaging 4% across 612 supplies SKUs. Well over half (57%) of the SKUs impacted were laser supplies, while the remaining SKUs (43%) with raised prices were ink supplies.

Lexmark

Lexmark raised prices on 438 laser supplies in Q2 2024, marking the third upward price adjustment from the vendor on supplies in roughly a year and a half. Prices increased by an average of 8% across most SKUs, although select supplies increased by as much as 22% to 57%. This follows previous increases in November and April 2023, underscoring the continued pricing pressures Lexmark faces amid industry challenges and supply chain issues.

Xerox

Xerox issued price increases in February on laser supplies SKUs that support first-generation A4 VersaLink printers and MFPs launched in 2017. The price adjustments were identified via Xerox’s direct US website and impact 59 SKUs with an average 5% increase. The targeted price increases coincided with the completion of Xerox’s VersaLink refresh, which began in 2023 and finished with the announcement of the VersaLink B620/DN A4 B&W workgroup printer on February 1.

In October, Xerox again implemented targeted price increases on supplies within its entry-level A4 lineup. In total, 21 SKUs that support both mono and color 200 and 300 series devices were observed with price increases ranging from 5% to 10%. The price adjustments followed roughly eight months after Xerox raised prices on the first-generation VersaLink 400, 500, and 600 series supplies in February.

Brother

Brother Industries, Ltd. (Brother) bowed out of plans to acquire Roland DG Corporation (Roland DG) for a reported ¥64 billion ($428.9 million) after refusing to compete with a tender offer made by XYZ K.K (XYZ). Brother offered ¥5,200 per share ($34.84), while XYZ ultimately won the bid with its offer of ¥5,370 per share. Roland DG is a major provider of digital printing solutions, and Brother’s acquisition of the company could have bolstered the OEM’s efforts to diversify and grow its print portfolio.

Epson

Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) announced the acquisition of Fiery, LLC, a US-based provider of digital front-end (DFE) software and printing solutions, from private equity firm Siris in a transaction valued at $591.4 million. This acquisition will expand Epson’s presence in the digital printing market by integrating Fiery’s advanced technology, which serves industrial and graphic arts sectors with high-performance DFE servers and workflow solutions. The deal was expected to close by the end of 2024, pending regulatory approvals.

Fujifilm

Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp. and Konica Minolta, Inc. announced a delay in the launch of their planned joint venture due to ongoing international competition law reviews and approval processes. The companies originally signed a Joint Venture Agreement on July 8, 2024, with a target launch date of September 30, 2024, aimed at optimizing the procurement of raw materials and components. A revised establishment date will be shared once finalized.

HP

On September 25, 2024, HP announced the acquisition of Vyopta, a Texas-based provider of collaboration management solutions for unified communications (UC) networks. Vyopta’s expertise will enhance HP’s Workforce Experience Platform, launched earlier this year, by adding advanced analytics and monitoring capabilities. The platform is designed to improve employee experiences and simplify IT management by giving customers centralized control over their digital ecosystems. According to HP, this acquisition will help create a more comprehensive workplace view and set the company apart from competitors.

Lexmark/Xerox

On December 23, Xerox announced plans to acquire Lexmark, making waves during a holiday week that is typically quiet for the US print industry. Rumors circulated in Q3 that Lexmark’s owners—the Chinese consortium led by Ninestar and PAG Asia Capital—were evaluating a potential divestiture. Xerox will reportedly finance the $1.5 billion acquisition with a combination of cash and debt refinancing as it looks to strengthen its core printing business following multiple challenging quarters post-pandemic. The deal will bring Lexmark back under US ownership after its 2016 sale to the Chinese consortium.

Xerox

On October 17, 2024, Xerox announced the acquisition of ITsavvy, an Illinois-based IT services provider, for $400 million. This acquisition was part of Xerox’s broader Reinvention strategy aimed at diversifying its business by expanding into IT services. ITsavvy’s expertise in IT infrastructure, cloud migration, and managed services will bolster Xerox’s presence in the US, UK, and Canada. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings, reinforcing Xerox’s efforts to transform workplace solutions through innovative IT offerings.

Canon

Canon U.S.A. announced the appointment of Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi as President and CEO, effective January 1, 2024. Kobayashi has been with the Canon organization since 1990, beginning his career in the photocopier sales division. More recently, Kobayashi served as the President and CEO of Canon Canada Inc. for the last year and previously held the position of Senior VP and GM of Canon U.S.A. Kobayashi will also continue to serve as an Executive Officer for Canon Inc. This transition marks his succession Kazuto “Kevin” Ogawa, who has returned to Japan for an undisclosed new assignment.

Epson

Epson remains embroiled in a legal battle with its former dealer partner, Epic Office Solutions.

Just days after its first lawsuit was dismissed on improper venue grounds, Epic Office Solutions filed a new lawsuit against Epson America in the US District Court for the Central District of California. The case, which was initially filed in New York in December 2023, originated from Epic’s claims that Epson misrepresented the yields of its ink cartridges and the potential margins available to the dealer, allegedly resulting in financial losses to Epic.

The new lawsuit is similar to the previous New York filing, although Epic has included a new section claiming that Epson added more than the stated ink volumes to cartridges “in a clear attempt by Epson to compensate for its knowledge that its machines, including all of the machines at issue in this action, did not perform as Epson represented.” Epic is asking for $20 million in damages relating to its claims.

HP

HP held its Amplify Partner Conference 2024 (APC 2024) at the Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Tuesday, March 5, to Thursday, March 7. Centered on the theme, “Future Ready – United We Win,” HP’s event served as host to over 1,500 commercial, alliance, and distribution partners representing 95 countries. HP was heavily focused on generative artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid systems, as well as how these two technologies will power the future of work. Through HP’s AI and hybrid work initiatives and the support of its channel partners, the company intends to drive long-term sustainable partner growth.

HP announced the development of its SecuReuse program, designed to support the use of remanufactured ink and toner cartridges in its printers. Announced on May 15, 2024, at the ETIRA Conference in Brussels, Belgium, HP frames the program as an initiative to address sustainability concerns and promote the circular economy by allowing remanufacturers to reset genuine HP chips for use in remanufactured cartridges. Some industry professionals, however, view the program as a way for HP to potentially stifle aftermarket competition, as HP will charge remanufacturers to reset its chips for reuse. The program is expected to be fully rolled out in late 2025 or early 2026.

HP hosted its Amplify Retail Forum on June 4-5, 2024, in Barcelona. Themed “Future Ready – United We Win,” the event focused on the convergence of hybrid systems and generative AI to shape the future of work and play. Over 500 retail partners were reportedly in attendance, and the event featured executive keynotes from HP leadership and key alliance partners. HP introduced new retail partner benefits at the event.

HP hosted its HP Imagine 2024 event on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at its headquarters in Palo Alto, California. The event centered on how HP plans to support the “Future of Work” as it aims to leverage AI technologies across its product lines. This included significant emphasis on AI-powered PCs and more information about HP Print AI, highlighting the company’s intention to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into both its Personal Systems and Print business segments.

Lexmark

On March 11, Ninestar Co., Ltd. announced the decision to sell and subsequently lease back properties of its subsidiary, Lexmark, including the headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, for $126.95 million with a monthly leaseback rate of $1.14 million. The annual rent growth rate upon renewal will be 3%. Lexmark stated that the decision to sell the properties was that of its own board of directors, not Ninestar, and that Lexmark would retain all proceeds from the sale.

Lexmark received favorable news from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, which changed the country of origin for Lexmark’s MS/MX and CS/CX printers and MFPs from China to Mexico. This change followed Lexmark’s revision of its production processes in its Juarez, Mexico facility. Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods from Mexico can be imported duty-free, whereas laser printers from China face tariffs up to 25% due to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Xerox

On March 12, Xerox Holdings Corporation (Xerox) announced the sale of its direct business in Argentina and Chile to Grupo Datco, a technologies and fiber optic network service provider in Latin America. The sale made Datco Group the exclusive partner for Xerox in Argentina and Chile, representing Xerox’s plans to transition some of its operations to a partner-led model.

On April 2, Xerox announced that Productive Business Solutions Limited (PBS) Group would take ownership of the OEM’s operations in Peru and Ecuador. PBS Group is a long-standing partner of Xerox throughout Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The transaction closed in Q3 2024. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

On October 1, 2024, European paper distributor Antalis signed an agreement to acquire Xerox’s EMEA paper business, expanding its position in paper distribution across Europe, Africa, and India.

The acquisition granted Antalis exclusive rights to market and distribute Xerox-branded paper and digital printing media in over 40 countries, including Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East, India, and Africa. For Xerox, the divestment aligns with its focus on delivering innovative services and solutions within its core businesses.