Consumables
HP Recycles Nearly 250 Million Pounds of Products in 2007 – 50 Percent Increase Over 2006
Tuesday 05. February 2008 - HP today announced it recycled nearly 250 million pounds of hardware and print cartridges globally in its fiscal year 2007 - an increase of approximately 50 percent over the previous year and the equivalent of more than double the weight of the Titanic.
HP also reused 65 million pounds of hardware to be refurbished for resale or donation, increasing its annual reuse rate by 30 percent.
In 2007, HP surpassed its goal to recycle 1 billion pounds of technology equipment and is well on its way to reaching its new goal to recover 2 billion pounds of products by the end of 2010.
“HP set the most aggressive recovery goal in the IT industry and were on track to meet it,” said Pat Tiernan, vice president, Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility, HP. “This progress demonstrates our success in offering convenient and comprehensive recovery services around the world and is another milestone in HPs longstanding environmental commitment.”
Highlights from HPs recycling programs in 2007 include:
In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, HP nearly doubled the amount it recycled over last year to 170 million pounds (77,111 metric tonnes) of equipment.
In the Americas region, HP recycled an estimated 65 million pounds (29,484 metric tonnes) of equipment.
In the Asia Pacific region, HP recycled 13 million pounds (5,897 metric tonnes) of equipment.
Designing with the environment in mind
Last week, HP announced it has developed an engineering breakthrough that enables the use of post-consumer recycled plastics in the production of new Original HP inkjet print cartridges. The companys innovative recycling process facilitates the combination of multiple sources and grades of recycled plastics – from everyday water bottles to highly technical HP inkjet cartridges returned through HPs Planet Partners program.
In addition to closing the design loop, using recycled content saves energy and keeps plastic out of landfills – since first piloting the process, HP has used enough recycled plastic to fill more than 200 tractor trailers.(1)
Using recycled content is the latest advancement from HPs Design for Environment program, which reduces the companys environmental impact through material usage, ease of recycling and packaging efficiency.
Recycling at HP
Started in 1987, HPs recycling program now operates in more than 50 countries, regions and territories. The program seeks to reduce the environmental impact of IT products, minimize waste going to landfills and help customers conveniently and responsibly manage products at their end of life.
Plastics and metals recovered from products recycled by HP have been used to make a range of new products, including auto body parts, clothes hangers, plastic toys, fence posts, serving trays and roof tiles. In addition to recycling, HP offers a variety of product end-of-life management services including donation, trade-in, asset recovery and leasing.
HP and the environment
For decades HP has worked to manage its environmental impact by adopting environmentally responsible practices in product development, operations and supply chain. The company strives to be a global leader in reducing its carbon footprint, limiting waste and recycling responsibly.