The OEM has asserted that sustainability is becoming “a new workplace standard for successful businesses,” based on the results of its worldwide survey and investigation.
According to HP, the results “underscore the importance workers place on eco-friendly business practices, and identifies opportunities to advance sustainability in the office.” The former observation will prove particularly important, the OEM contends, when it comes to the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of top talent.
The study also found that employees are more productive, motivated and engaged when working for an employer who is leading the charge in social responsibility. The global, 20,000-participant survey found that 61 percent believe sustainability is mandatory for businesses. Of those interviewed, 56 percent believe that ignoring environmental impact in the workplace is as bad as ignoring diversity and inclusion.
“The study released today proves what HP has suspected for many years – businesses, and their workforce, are demanding higher levels of sustainability and quality from their suppliers,” said Dave McQuarrie, Global Head of Print Business Management, HP Imaging and Printing. “HP has been committed to sustainable impact for decades. By reducing reliance on single-use plastics and delivering more sustainable supplies we are fulfilling a critical part of our reinvention journey and commitment to the environment.”
One of the most overlooked opportunities for eco-friendly practices in the workplace, according to HP, is in the purchase and disposal of printer ink and toner cartridges, a global market estimated to be around $45 billion (€40.1 billion).
“The influx of imitation cartridges as an alternative to quality print cartridges has created a host of new challenges for purchasers, including the fact that many do not realise imitation cartridges are often not recycled,” HP declared. “As a result, 97 percent of imitation cartridges may end up in landfills.”
HP describes itself as “a pioneer in engineering ink and toner cartridges with recycled content.” Working with Planet Partners over the last 27 years, the company has enabled customers in over 60 countries to recycle HP ink and toner cartridges for free, and since 2000, has utilised more than 199 million pounds of recycled plastic into 3.9 billion HP Original ink and toner cartridges, diverting 716,000 pounds of plastic from reaching the ocean – the equivalent of more than 25 million plastic bottles – and repurposing it into HP cartridges.
The OEM has also recently invested $2 million (€1.77 million) in a new plastic washing line in Haiti, as part of its efforts to reduce oceanic plastic pollution.
Last month the company pledged to make every page printed forest positive, carbon neutral and part of a circular economy with innovation that helps protect the world’s forests, reduces carbon emissions and uses more recycled materials. In 2016, HP achieved 100 percent zero deforestation associated with HP-branded paper, nearly two years ahead of schedule– marking a milestone towards the company’s vision for a forest positive future. Plus, the company’s paper-based product packaging zero deforestation goal is on track for 2020.
