On 1 July 2016, HP announced a commitment to achieve zero deforestation by 2020. All HP brand paper and paper-based product packaging will be derived from certified and recycled sources by 2020, with a preference for virgin fibre from certified sources of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
This pledge is one of several 2016 goals outlined in the company’s latest Sustainability Report (read report here).
HP’s new goal reinforces its leadership position among global companies. According to Forest500, only 8% of companies have an overarching zero or zero-net deforestation commitment. This goal highlights HP’s ongoing efforts to help customers make responsible printing and purchasing decisions that lower the environmental impact of their operations. This zero deforestation pledge also reflects the breadth of actions the company is taking to address the effects of climate change.
“Climate change is the most challenging environmental issue of our lifetime,” said Nate Hurst, HP’s Chief Sustainability & Social Impact Officer. “HP is committed to being an environmental steward; therefore, we continue to measure and reduce the impact of our products, operations and supply chain activities.”
HP is well on its way toward achieving this goal. In 2015, HP achieved the public forestry goal of 50 percent FSC-certified fibre in HP brand paper products. Moving forward, HP will work with World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Global Forest & Trade Network-North America (GFTN-NA) to reduce fibre sourcing risks for products and packaging, source more environmentally responsible paper and packaging products, and engage suppliers as partners in this journey.
“HP’s efforts to lead the way on eliminating deforestation from its paper products and packaging are commendable,” said Linda Walker, Director of Responsible Forestry & Trade at WWF-US. “This is a leadership-level goal within HP’s broader sustainability commitments.”
The announcement coincides with the release of the HP 2015 Sustainability Report, which outlines progress made in 2015 and goals set for 2016. The zero deforestation goal is one of three new goals included in the report. The others are:
- HP has pledged to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity within global operations with an interim goal of achieving 40 percent worldwide by 2020.
- HP has committed to reduce the GHG emissions intensity of its product portfolio by 25% by 2020 and was the first company in the IT industry to set GHG emission reduction goals across its operations, supply chain and products.
The report also covers a broad range of sustainability performance and initiatives across three pillars of environment, society and integrity. Notable 2015 achievements include:
- Met two GHG emissions reduction goals for our global operations and supply chain five years early.
- Engaged 78,000 supplier factory workers to promote wellness and enhance their skills, empowering them to become leaders in their communities.