HP’s Sustainable Product Development: Paving the Way for an Eco-Friendly Future
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Gurpreet Singh Brar, Vice President, HP India market
- How has HP integrated sustainability into its product development process to ensure environmentally responsible solutions?
HP has prioritized sustainability in its product development process. We recognize that product design plays a crucial role in determining a product’s environmental impact, and that’s why we have been focusing on creating eco-friendly products and services that contribute to a circular economy and minimize our environmental footprint. Our recently launched HP Sustainable Impact Report 2022 outlines our commitment to achieving 75% circularity for our products and packaging by 2030. This goal drives us to design and develop products that optimize resource usage and reduce waste throughout their lifecycle.
In 2022, we incorporated recycled materials in 95% of our new printers, laptops, notebooks, displays, and workstations. We have also been actively working to eliminate single-use plastic packaging, setting a target to eliminate 75% of such packaging by 2025. We have made remarkable progress in this area by utilizing alternative materials like molded fiber. Nearly 70 million units of our personal systems products were shipped in 2022 using molded fiber or hybrid foam/fiber packaging, which accounted for approximately 91% of units.
Another important aspect of our sustainability efforts is our commitment to using ocean-bound plastic (OBP) in our products. We have integrated OBP into an increasing number of HP products across our portfolio. For example, our newest HP Dragonfly and Elite 1000 Series PCs, introduced in early 2023, contain 5% OBP by weight in the speaker enclosure. In addition to sustainable materials, we design our products to be durable and easily repairable, promoting their extended use and reducing electronic waste. We believe that by creating products that can be repaired and have a longer lifespan, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.
- What future plans or strategies does HP have in place to further advance its circular economy goals?
We are committed to advancing our circular economy goals and are continuously striving to become the world’s most sustainable and just technology company. One of our key plans is to further reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and combat climate change. We have set a target to reduce HP’s value chain GHG emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to our 2019 baseline. Additionally, we aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. We recognize the urgency of addressing climate action and are dedicated to implementing strategies that will help us reach these ambitious targets.
In addition to our climate goals, we will continue to focus on digital equity. We believe that access to technology and digital resources should be inclusive and equitable for all. Our efforts will be directed toward bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to thrive in the digital world. To support our circular economy goals, we will explore ways to further reduce our carbon footprint and waste generation. We have already made significant progress in this area, with an 18% reduction in our carbon footprint since 2019. However, we understand that there is more work to be done. We will continue to evaluate our progress, identify areas for improvement, and take necessary actions to achieve a more equitable and sustainable future.
- What are India’s key programs that are contributing to realizing HP’s Sustainable Impact strategy? Also Understanding Digital Equity is a priority under the Sustainable Impact Report, what specific initiatives is HP undertaking to advance its mission in the country?
In India, we have dedicated efforts to four key areas: People, Digital Equity, Climate Action, and Social Impact. Through various initiatives and partnerships, we have made significant progress in each of these areas, positively impacting the lives of millions of individuals. One of our core focuses is on enhancing digital equity and promoting digital inclusion for all. HP has accelerated digital equity for more than 21 million people globally and is on the path to 150 million by 2030.
To advance our mission of digital equity in India, HP has undertaken several specific initiatives. Our World on Wheels (WoW) program, for example, has brought internet-enabled, solar-powered mobile learning labs to remote areas, providing access to digital literacy, education, entrepreneurship, and citizen services. These mobile labs equipped with HP technology have directly benefited approximately 650,000 people in villages throughout the country. We have also launched the HP Accessible Learning for All (ALFA) program, which aims to equip over 2,000 classrooms and introduce state-of-the-art laboratories in government- and NGO-run schools. This initiative has significantly enhanced education for over 47,600 students, promoting digital learning and empowering the next generation.
Additionally, HP Common Service Labs (CSL) have been established in hard-to-reach locations, providing healthcare, education, and other citizen services. These solar-powered centers, equipped with necessary healthcare facilities and telemedicine features, have reached approximately 8,700 people in 2022, ensuring access to essential services in underserved communities.
We firmly believe that by addressing the digital divide, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. We will continue to invest in programs that drive positive change, foster sustainability, and contribute to the well-being of people and the planet.
- Have you observed a growing preference among customers for eco-friendly tech products, and do you anticipate this trend to continue to rise in the future?
Sustainability has become a key consideration for consumers across various industries, including technology. Consumers are increasingly looking for brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices, use recycled materials, reduce waste, and adopt circular economy principles. According to a recent HP global survey, Indian parents exhibit a strong inclination towards sustainability, actively engaging in eco-friendly practices and expressing a willingness to pay extra for environmentally conscious products. It is encouraging to see that 80% of Indian parents are willing to invest more in items that are environmentally friendly, indicating their strong commitment to making sustainable choices. The survey also highlights that Indian parents are actively seeking out businesses with sustainable practices and are prioritizing the purchase of sustainably sourced items. This demonstrates a high level of awareness and conscious decision-making when it comes to supporting environmentally responsible brands.
At HP, we are committed to meeting this growing demand for eco-friendly tech products. We have integrated sustainability into every aspect of our product development, from design to packaging to energy efficiency. Our Sustainable Impact initiatives and goals reflect our dedication to addressing environmental challenges and providing customers with sustainable choices.
