New Chamber Members Ink Xpress, the Colchester-based eco-friendly refill specialist, has welcomed new EU directives encouraging the recycling of ink cartridges.

In a move to ban printer manufacturers from forcing customers to buy own-brand ink refills, the European Parliament has given two tough new laws the go ahead.

The directives, which come into effect in 2006, mean that individual producers will have to finance the waste treatment of their own products. This will stop manufacturers designing products with special devices to prevent recycling.

John Laverock, of Ink Xpress, which is based at the Hythe, said: "I fully back the introduction of the new regulations which will not only benefit consumers and industry but very importantly the environment.

"Recycling is still an area in which many businesses could improve their performance and the legislation is a step in the right direction."