HP commits to zero deforestation by 2020

HP Inc. on Thursday announced a commitment to achieve zerodeforestation by 2020, saying that all HP brand paper and paper-based product packaging will be derived from certified and recycled sources by 2020, with a preference for virgin fiber from certified sources of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The announcement coincides with the release of the HP 2015 Sustainability Report, which outlinesprogress made in 2015 and goals setfor 2016. The zero deforestation goal is one of three new goals included in the report. HP in the report, also pledged to achieve 100 per cent renewable electricity within global operations with an interim goal of achieving 40 percent worldwide by 2020, while also stating it committment to reduce the GHG emissions intensity of its product portfolio by 25 percent by 2020 .

Analysts view HP’s new goal as significant, as Forest500 had stipulated that only eight per cent of companies have an overarching zero or zero-net deforestation commitment.

This goal, which reinforces HP’s leadership position among global companies, highlights the company’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, according to the company in a statement.

“Climate change is the most challenging environmental issue ofour lifetime. HP is committed to being an environmental steward; therefore,we continue to measure and reducetheimpact of our products, operations and supply chain activities,” Nate Hurst, HP’s Chief Sustainability & Social Impact Officer, said.

It will be recalled that 2015, HP achieved the public forestry goal of 50 percent FSC-certified fiber in HP brandpaper products. Moving forward, HP said it will work with World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Global Forest & Trade Network-North America (GFTN-NA) to reduce fiber 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. This is a leadership-level goal within HP’s broader sustainability commitments,” Linda Walker, Director of Responsible Forestry & Trade at WWF-US, said.

HP was the first company in the IT industry to set GHG emission reduction goals across its operations, supply chain and products.