HP Inc. released its 2018 Sustainable Impact Report, including an industry-leading goal to increase recycled content plastics across its print and personal systems portfolio to 30% by 2025, continuing the company’s long legacy of leadership in this area. The report documents the progress HP is making and the business benefits of investing in the planet, people and communities. Sustainable Impact programs drove more than $972 million dollars of new revenue for HP in 2018, a 35% year-over-year increase.
“Companies have critically important roles to play in solving societal challenges, and we continue to reinvent HP to meet the needs of our changing world,” said Dion Weisler, president and CEO, HP Inc. “This isn’t a nice to do, it’s a business imperative. Brands that lead with purpose and stand for more than the products they sell will create the most value for customers, shareholders and society as a whole. Together with our partners, we will build on our progress and find innovative new ways to turn the challenges of today into the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Tackling global plastic waste
HP’s new recycled content plastics goal builds on the company’s long legacy of leadership in this area. In 2018, HP used 21,250 tonnes of recycled plastic in HP products – including more than 8,000 tonnes in its Personal Systems products (a 3.5% increase from 2017), more than 4,700 tonnes in its printing products (a 280% increase from 2017) and more than 8,000 tonnes in Original HP ink and toner cartridges.
“Progress requires us to rethink every aspect of our business to find new ways to make life better for everyone, everywhere,” said Nate Hurst, Chief Sustainable Impact Officer, HP. “We are making durable, premium products using recycled plastic as part of our efforts to transform our business to drive a more efficient, circular and low carbon economy. Even small advancements, scaled globally, can have a huge impact.”
As part of this commitment, HP continues to invest in and scale its impact sourcing initiative to prevent post-consumer plastic from entering our waterways and oceans. HP has already sourced approximately 700,000 pounds of ocean-bound plastic materials—or more than 25 million bottles—upcycling this material into HP cartridges and hardware. This year, HP launched the EliteDisplay E273d – the world’s first display manufactured with ocean plastic. Together with its partners, including NextWave Plastics, HP is committed to scaling the use of ocean-bound plastics by developing the first global network of ocean-bound plastics supply chains.
In partnership with Dr. Jenna Jambeck and Dr. Chris Cuomo from the University of Georgia, HP is sponsoring groundbreaking research on women’s crucial work in recycling and managing waste, specifically ocean-bound plastics. By focusing on the experiences of women working on the frontlines of plastic recycling, this research will serve as a basis for future projects and commitments involving informal waste collection, the development of ocean-bound plastic supply chains, and greater gender equality worldwide. This research is underway now and is scheduled to be released by early 2020.
Enabling customers to do more, with less impact
Recently, HP announced a sustainable publishing partnership with ELLE Magazine using its print on demand capabilities to deliver the industry’s first sustainable fashion magazine made from 100% recycled materials for the cover and 30% recycled materials for the pages within the magazine.
HP also announced an innovative partnership with SmileDirectClub, the pioneer of teledentistry and market leader in doctor-directed, remote clear aligner therapy. SmileDirectClub is powering its digital differentiation and rapid manufacturing expansion of clear aligners with HP’s Jet Fusion 3D printing solutions, making it the largest producer of Multi Jet Fusion 3D printed parts in the US. As part of an expanded collaboration, HP and SmileDirectClub also announced a new recycling program, in which excess 3D material and already processed plastic mouth molds are recycled by HP and turned into pellets for traditional injection molding, leading to more sustainable production.
Reinventing the standard for diversity and inclusion
HP’s commitment to diversity and inclusion starts at the top, with the industry’s most diverse Board of Directors of any US technology company. HP works to grow its pipeline for diverse talent, and in 2018, 59% of new hires were from typically underrepresented groups. HP extends this commitment to how it works with suppliers. In 2018, HP spent $423 million with small businesses and $219 million with minority- and women-owned businesses.
Creating vibrant communities everywhere
Education is a fundamental human right, and HP believes that technology can be the great equalizer – helping to bridge the gap and reach typically underrepresented and otherwise marginalized communities. Through 2017, HP has reach more than 21 million students and adult learners, driving progress toward our goal to enable better learning outcomes for 100 million people by 2025.
Through HP volunteer efforts, corporate giving and HP Foundation programs, HP aims to catalyze positive change in the communities where we live, work, and do business. Compared to 2017, HP employee volunteer hours increased by 62% – 6,400 employees contributed about 140,000 hours to local volunteer efforts in 48 countries, with a value of $4.3 million.
In addition, HP contributed $23.21 million to local communities from HP Foundation and employee contributions. Between 2016-2025, HP commits to contributing $100 million in HP Foundation and employee community giving.
