Kyocera: Original toner Q&A

An original toner cartridge is produced and endorsed by the printer's manufacturer. Kyocera’s toner cartridges are not only specifically designed and rigorously tested to work with our printers, but they are also eco-friendly.

Our unique i-toner cartridges are made from as few as eight parts, all plastic, all recyclable. The toner uses no organic solvents and very little water to minimise its environmental impact. By fusing at 30°C cooler than conventional toners, it saves on energy consumption too. In addition, original toners use less toner, and our high-quality toner adheres evenly to the paper for optimal performance and print quality without leakage or smearing. 

Toner cartridges are used in laser printers and contain a fine powder called toner, which is fused onto the paper using heat to create the printed image. Ink cartridges are used in inkjet printers and contain liquid ink that is sprayed onto the paper to form the printed output.

Much like the quality of petrol you put in your car, the ink and toner you use in your printer will help it run better for longer.

Myth 1: It's cheaper.

Using cheaper compatible toners can lead to subpar print quality and cause lasting damage to printers, resulting in productivity losses and higher costs in the long run.

Technical defects or other technical problems caused by using non-original toner will not be covered by Kyocera’s Manufacturer’s Warranty.

Myth 2: They won't damage your printer.

Non-genuine toners can be harmful to printers. The toner powder particles in non-genuine toners differ from genuine toners, leading to more printer jams and paper burns, which can ultimately damage the printer's engine.
Engine breakdowns occur more frequently with non-genuine toner use, and inconsistent particle sizes can lead to print-quality failures.

Myth3: Non-genuine and genuine toners are the same.

Original Kyocera consumables undergo rigorous testing to ensure the best
performance and reliability. Non-genuine toners, are often made from used parts and lower-quality toners, which can diminish overall printer performance and offer little in terms of reliable performance.

Non-genuine toner comes with a hidden price tag that not only has negative financial consequences in terms of poor quality prints and damage to assets (not to mention a business’ reputation), but they place a heavy toll on the environment too. Kyocera’s toner cartridges are rigorously tested and designed to be as eco-friendly as possible. Kyocera is eco-driven, minimising its environmental impact at every step.

Myth 4: They don't affect print quality.

The high image quality for which Kyocera devices are known is linked to the tiny size and accurate shape of the individual toner particles in an original toner cartridge. Non-original toner particles may be too large or poorly shaped to deliver the same quality. The result is poor colour reproduction and washed-out colours.

Myth5: They're compatible with your printer.

Non-genuine toner manufacturers do not have access to the technical specifications and technology behind Kyocera printers. Consequently, they cannot guarantee that their consumables will work seamlessly with our devices in the long run. The durable components in our ECOSYS and TASKalfa multifunctional devices are designed to operate in conjunction with original Kyocera toner. As a technology leader, Kyocera adopts a science-backed approach to ongoing technology development and investment in sustainability. 

Using original toners ensures the best performance and print quality, as they are specifically engineered and tested by the printer manufacturer. Original toners also help maintain printer reliability and minimise the risk of damage to the printer caused by incompatible or low-quality cartridges.

Non-original toners can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the ozone, which can negatively affect air quality and consequently, human health. Kyocera’s toner cartridges are not only specifically designed and rigorously tested to work with our printers, but they are also eco-friendly in multiple ways. 

Kyocera applies security features to its products to guarantee that customers know that they are using original toners. Non-original toners lack the official branding and holographic seals that original toners usually have. The unusually low pricing of counterfeit products turns what may look like a bargain into a very costly mistake.  

To be certain that a product is genuine, buy from Kyocera authorised partners
or retailers.

While original toners may have a higher upfront cost compared to third-party or compatible alternatives, they provide better value in the long run due to their superior print quality and higher page yield, resulting in fewer replacements and less downtime.

The true cost of using non-original toner is way too high, with the short
term gains being far outweighed by the mid-term costs. 

Original Kyocera toners are manufactured to strict quality standards, ensuring consistent and reliable print results. They offer high print yields, which means they can produce more pages before needing replacement, leading to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Technical defects or other technical problems caused by using non-original toner will not be covered by Kyocera’s Manufacturer’s Warranty. Using original Kyocera toners ensures that the device will be covered by Kyocera’s warranty. 

No. Using third-party toners will void your printer's warranty.

To ensure you're purchasing genuine original toners, buy from Kyocera authorised partners or resellers. Look for security features like holograms, QR codes, or authenticity labels on the packaging.

Kyocera applies security features to its products to guarantee that customers know they are using original parts. The security hologram, in combination with a handy viewer, permits a secure product authentication.

In addition, there is often unusually low pricing for counterfeit products. What may look like a bargain can turn out to be costly. Check for any signs of poor print quality, misspellings, or inconsistencies in the packaging. 

Original toners from Kyocera are designed and manufactured with environmental considerations in mind. They are engineered for efficient use, producing high-quality prints with minimal waste. The manufacturing processes and materials used in our genuine toners have lower environmental impact compared to non-original alternatives.

Our energy-efficient production methods reduce greenhouse gas emissions and incorporate eco-friendly materials. By choosing original toners, customers support these efforts and contribute to more responsible manufacturing practices.

Kyocera’s original toners comply with environmental standards and certifications. These standards include criteria such as energy efficiency, reduced emissions, environmentally friendly manufacturing practices, as well as compliance with health regulations.

To satisfy Germany’s Blue Angel eco-label requirement and to create a safer working environment, Kyocera toner does not contain harmful substances such as mercury, cadmium, lead and nickel, Chromium VI compounds, dyes that might release carcinogenic particles. Non-original toners do not comply with Blue Angel eco-label requirements.

Many printer manufacturers offer dedicated programs to collect and recycle used toner cartridges.

Kyocera has established a free recycling program for customers and dealers that allows customers to return used toner cartridges for recycling or proper disposal.

Recycling toner cartridges helps conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prevent waste from going to landfills. Kyocera has a Toner Take-Back Service for all used, genuine Kyocera toner cartridges. This process is initiated by the end user by requesting participation in Kyocera’s recycling programme.

Once the quote for administrative charges is accepted, Kyocera will deliver a recycle bin to collect the waste. Upon instruction to collect, we will collect the waste and deliver a spare collection package. The waste will be delivered to Carbon Footprint Africa for processing. Additionally, the end user will also receive a recycling report. Get in touch with Kyocera’s recycling team to sign up: collections@kdza.co.za.

Original Kyocera toner cartridges are not refilled, but they are recycled. 

To store original toners properly, keep them in their original packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight until you're ready to install. Avoid exposing toners to extreme temperatures or humidity. 

No, toner is not a “one size fits all” consumable. Original toners are generally designed for specific printer models or series. While some toners may be compatible across similar printer models from the same manufacturer, it's crucial to verify compatibility before use. Using an incompatible toner could damage the printer or affect print quality.

Compatible toner cartridges are newly manufactured and designed to work with a specific printer model, but they are produced by third-party manufacturers and not by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the printer.

Remanufactured toner cartridges are also known as recycled or refurbished cartridges. The remanufacturing process involves disassembling the used cartridge, cleaning it, replacing certain components, and refilling it with toner. Remanufactured toner cartridges aim to provide an eco-friendly alternative by extending the lifecycle of original cartridges and reducing waste.

Both alternatives are cheaper than genuine toner cartridges, but they may result in voided printer warranties, lower print quality, lower page yield, higher failure rate, and negative impacts on the environment and human health. It's vital to choose reputable suppliers and review guarantees before making a purchase.

Original toners provide better print quality and reliability compared to other options such as compatible or remanufactured toner cartridges. They are specifically designed and manufactured by the printer's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to deliver consistent and excellent print quality.

Original toners are specifically designed and extensively researched and tested to work seamlessly with the printers. Kyocera ensures that toners produce sharp, vibrant, and accurate prints. Original toners are also engineered to work in harmony with the printer's internal components, resulting in precise and reliable output, without smudging or fading.

The use of original toner reduces the likelihood of print quality problems,
paper jams, or other issues that may arise with non-original toners. They have higher page yields, meaning they can print more pages before needing replacement. This contributes to lower cost per page and reduces the frequency of changing toner cartridges.

Using original toner is better for the environment for many reasons. Printer manufacturers like Kyocera invest in sustainability and eco-friendly practices, including recycling programs for used toner cartridges. By using original toner and participating in these programs, customers contribute to more environmentally responsible printing practices.

Choosing Kyocera can mean producing up to 85% less electronic waste during the life of the device thanks to ECOSYS technology, which omits the need for the replacement of the photoconductor drum and developer unit when the toner runs out. For example: an average competitor’s toner container includes 60 separately manufactured components, while an original Kyocera toner cartridge includes just four.

Non-original toners may seem to be a bargain in the short term, but the eventual total cost of ownership is often high.

Original toner offers better value in the long term when it comes to quality and reliability. Support is also something to consider. Besides the potential that with the use of non-original toners, equipment may require higher maintenance than anticipated, resulting in unnecessary costs, any technical defects or other technical problems caused by the use of a non genuine toner will not be covered by Kyocera’s Manufacturer’s Warranty to customers. 

Non-original toners can have a significant impact on the sustainability of OEM vendors. Compatible and remanufactured toners are initially more affordable. Less revenue may affect the OEMs ability to invest in research and development, improve their manufacturing processes, and develop more sustainable products.

The production of non-original toners can also have negative environmental impacts. These toners are often produced using recycled components, which are of lower quality and may result in lower print quality or even cause damage to the printer. The manufacturing process also releases chemicals into the air and water, polluting the environment and posing a health hazard to humans and wildlife.

Consider factors such as print quality requirements, budget constraints, environmental concerns, human health, and manufacturer recommendations when deciding between original and non-original toners.

Although they may cost less initially, non-original toners come at significant cost to the environment and a hidden cost to users. They are often produced using toxic chemicals, which have a significant environmental impact. These toners can contain harmful substances, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and carcinogenic chemicals. The manufacturing process releases these chemicals into the air and water, polluting the environment and posing a health hazard to human and wildlife. 

In contrast, vendors like Kyocera prioritise sustainability in manufacturing and are committed to waste reduction and using more environmentally friendly designs, materials and processes. There is significant investment in research and development and the quality of raw materials to produce toners that are specifically designed to work with the printers. The result of which is product longevity and less e-waste.

When deciding to purchase an original toner, customers are not only investing in higher print quality, protection against printer breakdowns, and reliability of the printing process, but also in decreasing waste generation, and actively participating in mitigating climate change.

Kyocera’s motto is ‘Respect the divine and love people’ and the company will always be committed to environmental management aimed at achieving sustainable corporate development. In 1991, the Kyocera Environmental Charter was established to reduce the company’s impact on the environment throughout the value chain.

Since then, Kyocera has achieved some impressive results:

a. 99% of Kyocera products are officially ‘Green Products’.

b. Kyocera has held ISO 14001 environment certification for over 20 years.

c. The Kyocera Group is part of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

d. The company has successively won the Japanese Environment Ministry’s ‘Commendation for Global Warming Prevention’ for the last 8 years.

The commitment to sustainable practices and products is especially visible in the ECOSYS range. ‘ECOSYS’ stands for ‘Economy, Ecology and Systems’ and represents the commitment to reducing the environmental impact of printing, through optimised workflow efficiency and effortless system/process integration.

This concept has been continually refined to further improve wastereduction and reduce impact on the environment. Kyocera’s unique i-toner cartridges are made from as few as eight parts, all plastic, all recyclable. The toner uses no organic solvents and very little water. Given that toner fusing accounts for around 70% of the total power consumption of a print device, i-toner cuts energy by as much as half by fusing at 30°C cooler than conventional toners.

In addition, the ECOSYS range features energy-saving controllers to optimise power management and operate as low as 0.6 Watts in sleep mode; one-tenth of the energy used by a smartphone charger. The ECOSYS series also separates the toner from the long-life ceramic drum, vastly reducing waste sent to a landfill.

Kyocera uses recyclable packaging to minimise the use of harmful materials like styrofoam, and the Toner Take-Back Service offers a way to return toners to Kyocera’s recycling partner.

These innovations are testament to Kyocera’s commitment to minimise its environmental impact, which means customers can work cleaner, smarter, and more responsibly.