Cartridge World Comments on Printer Manufacturers Limiting Consumer's Retail Choices.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. -- Cartridge World responds to the recently reported agreement between Hewlett Packard and Staples from Business Week which highlights how big-brand printer manufacturers attempt to limit their consumer's retail options. With some companies eliminating the availability of compatible cartridges, Cartridge World, the largest ink refilling retailer, reminds consumers that it continues to present a more affordable, environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing new cartridges.

"Our mission is to offer consumers and businesses an affordable choice when it comes to their printer cartridge needs, as well as minimizing the negative environmental impact of throw-away printer cartridges," said Burt Yarkin, CEO of Cartridge World. "We believe that manufacturers and retailers should not limit the choices and alternatives of their customers, especially when those alternatives are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly."

According to Yarkin, the Staples and HP agreement includes the phasing out of Staple's own HP-compatible store-brand ink cartridges, and will result in offering Staples customers with HP printers no option other than purchasing the more expensive HP manufactured cartridges in their retail chain stores.

HP has recently announced its introduction of low-yield cartridges which contain a restricted amount of ink, at a lower cost per cartridge. Yarkin states that consumers will get what they pay for, however, since the new cartridges will not lower the printing cost per page.

"Instead of buying a cartridge for $30 that prints up to 740 pages, the customer is buying a $15 cartridge which only yields 200 pages, thus making the discounted cartridge inconvenient and less cost effective for the consumer," Yarkin said.

Cartridge World provides what it believes is an environmentally superior alternative to constantly purchasing new printer cartridges. They can refill inkjet cartridges an average of three to eight times and remanufacture laser cartridges almost indefinitely, all without sacrificing quality.

About Cartridge World

Emeryville, CA-based Cartridge World is the world's fastest growing ink refilling retailer in the $80 billion printer cartridge industry. The company refills empty ink cartridges and remanufactures empty toner cartridges for inkjet printers, laser printers, fax machines, and photocopiers with top quality, brand-specific ink and toners; It offers consumers and businesses a more affordable option to buying new, provides a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee and helps the environment by keeping cartridges out of landfills. Voted #1 in the category of toner replacement services by Entrepreneur Magazine Franchisee 500, Cartridge World has more than 1,400 franchised retail locations in 36 countries. Cartridge World North America was founded in 2003. There are currently more than 500 locations open in the United States, with 800 locations expected by the end of 2007. For more information call (888) 99-REFILL or visit www.cartridgeworldusa.com.