HP Sustainability: from ambition to tangible impact
Sustainability is now a top priority for every organisation. For IT and business leaders, it is no longer just a token exercise, but a strategic decision that affects costs, compliance and reputation.
Nevertheless, many companies are still struggling to find an approach that goes beyond mere intentions. What is needed are models that work in practice.
HP clearly positions itself as a pioneer in this field, with an approach that views sustainability not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of its technology and services.
The challenge: e-waste as a systemic problem
Globally, e-waste continues to rise, amounting to more than 60 million tonnes a year.
This is not just an environmental issue, but also a business issue:
• Raw materials are becoming scarcer and more expensive
• Regulations are becoming stricter
• Customers expect transparency and accountability
The traditional linear approach of buying, using and discarding is clearly reaching its limits.
Circular thinking as a starting point
HP doesn’t just focus on the product itself, but on the entire lifecycle. Their strategy is based on a number of clear principles:
• Designing products with repair and recycling in mind
• Making maximum use of recycled and renewable materials
• Making production processes more sustainable
• Extending the lifespan of devices through repair and refurbishment
• Reintroducing materials into the supply chain
That vision translates into tangible progress. Today, a significant proportion of HP’s materials already come from recycled or renewable sources.
In practical terms, this means that for businesses, purchasing technology als orepresents a step towards achieving their own sustainability goals.
What does this mean for your organisation?
HP’s strength lies in translating strategy into practical applications. For example:
• Hardware made from recycled materials: up to 65% of certain devices and accessories are made from recycled plastics
• Extended lifespan of IT assets: refurbishment and lifecycle services allow you to get more out of your existing devices
• Well-organised recycling via Planet Partners: old appliances and components are collected and recycled
• Closed-loop production: materials are reused in new products, reducing the need for new raw materials
The result is less waste, a lower environmental impact and, in many cases, a better total cost of ownership.
Sustainability as part of the business strategy
What sets HP apart is that sustainability is not a stand-alone initiative, but that it is embedded in their overall strategy. It is based on three key pillars:
• Climate action with a focus on CO2 reduction, circularity and forest management
• Human rights for fair and transparent supply chains
•Digital equity for access to technology and digital skills
That combination makes the story credible and relevant, particularly for organisations that view sustainability in broader terms than just environmental impact.
In addition, the targets are clear: to halve emissions across the value chain by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. These ambitions not only guide HP itself, but also its customers and partners.
Why is this more important today than ever before?
IT is playing an increasingly significant role in companies’ sustainability strategies. Decisions regarding devices and infrastructure have a direct impact on:
• Energy and material consumption
• Waste streams
• Reporting to stakeholders
HP is responding to this by linking sustainability to the future of work: technology that combines performance and impact.
For businesses, this presents a clear opportunity: your IT environment becomes an active driver of your sutainability policy.
In conclusion
Sustainability in IT doesn’t have to remain an abstract concept. HP demonstrates that it is possible to combine circular design, smart services and strategic objectives into a workable model.
The question is therefore nog longer whether you should incorporate sustainability into your IT strategy, but how.