Chemical toners’ producers claim that their product is more consistent, has a smaller particle size, and produces better image quality. However, conventional toners are still more popular than chemical toners because of the large installed base of machines that use conventional toners. New techniques enable producers of conventional toners to generate smaller and more consistent particles. This allows them to compete against their chemical counterpart.

Although the ingredients used for both types are the same, the process of manufacturing chemical toners requires less energy.

An effective measure against these concerns is to use biotoners. They use plant-based toner powders and, in addition, save up to 3 liters of crude oil. The emissions from their printing process are also safe.

Some markets may have their own specificities too. Germany, for instance, implemented the Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act (KrWG) of 2012 to foster circular economy and to establish rules for waste generation and management. Toners are included in the act as they need to be sorted and collected separately – so producers or holders of waste need to recover it.