The cost of ink for inkjet printers has long been in the spotlight. Some printers (not Epson's), with small capacity tri-colour cartridges contain ink that can cost as much as AUD$15,000 per litre. You read that right - ask Techradar.com. Using Epson's high capacity ink bottles can work out at around AUD$264 per litre or less. No wonder over 100 million people have installed them.
Bottles not cartridges - Epson high capacity inks also include pouches up to 1.5L
Commentary:
Of course the price of ink per litre also depends on number of pages printer, inclusion of componetry, such as printhead when 
Bulk ink pouches are another way to save on ink costschanging cartridges and inital cost of the printer. It's no secret that some home office printers are cheap because they are subsidising repeat cartridge use, which can contain as little as 2ml of ink and print around 100 pages. However, there is no doubt that a 70x upcharge factor from small to bulk, for what is essentially the same product, is bewildering. Wide format printers using larger pouches of inks can reduce cost-per-litre to around AUD$100-$125. Ink yield is also a factor, some ink/printhead combinations yield more pages or M2 area than others. Also, typer of ink: dye, pigment, sublimation, DTF, UV, Resin etc.
Epson raised eyebrows when it introduced 'Eco-Tank' printers 14 years ago - as it was effectively 'attacking its own market' by reducing ink costs and selling bottles rather than pre-filled cartridges. However, it's proven hugely popular and gains admiration for the environmental benefits too. The strategy has worked and customers are happy - can't say fairer than that. (Andy McCourt commentary.)
Epson's announcement follows:
Epson launched its first high-capacity ink tank inkjet printer in October 2010 in Indonesia. Currently, these printers are being sold in about 170 countries and regions. Cumulative global sales of Epson's high-capacity ink tank printers have now surpassed 100 million units.
Epson's high-capacity ink tank printers were developed in response to the needs in emerging economies and driven by innovation that goes beyond conventional design and sales methods. Since their launch, Epson has transformed the printer business model and established itself as a leader in the high-capacity ink tank printer market.
Epson high-capacity ink tank printers
High-capacity ink tank printers account for approximately 45% of the units shipped in the office and home inkjet printer market. Epson continues to maintain the No.1 global market share in high-capacity ink tank printers, thanks to its extensive lineup and brand recognition.
100 million 'no cartridge' printers and rising
This success is due to widespread customer approval of the features of Epson's high-capacity ink tank printers. Customers not only appreciate the lower printing costs and less frequent ink cartridge replacements, but also, with the rise in environmental awareness in recent years, they value that these printers generate less waste and use fewer resources for consumables and other items.
Yoichi Yamada, Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer (Office & Home Operations Division) at Epson says: "First of all, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has purchased our high-capacity ink tank printers. High-capacity ink tank printers are significantly different from conventional cartridge models in terms of design and sales, so we faced many challenges in creating them."
Yamada continues: "However, with the desire to allow customers to print without hesitation, all involved parties came together and decided to launch the product. Now, the values of high-capacity ink tank printers - low printing costs, minimal hassle with ink replacement, and low environmental impact - have led to their widespread acceptance around the world for use in everything from business to children's learning. Going forward, we will continue to pursue and deliver the unique value that only Epson can provide through printing."
