HP applauded for PVC-free printer November 15, 2011 17:00 by Chris Rails
HP has been applauded by Greenpeace for taking the lead in developing environmentally-friendly products. In particular, the charity praised the firm for the world's first PVC-free printer, which uses HP printer ink and toner cartridges.
The printer, the HP ENVY 100 e-All-in-One Printer series - D410, saves paper by up to 50 per cent by using automatic two-sided printing. Other eco-friendly attributes include the HP ink cartridges used by the printer, which are made from up to 70 per cent recycled plastic.
Greenpeace's latest edition of Guide to Greener Electronics ranks 15 companies across three areas: energy, greener products and sustainable operations. It also sets new criteria for companies, challenging them to reduce their carbon footprint across the entire life of their products.
"Right now, HP takes the top spot because it is scoring strongly by measuring and reducing carbon emissions from its supply chain, reducing its own emissions and advocating for strong climate legislation," said Greenpeace International campaigner Tom Dowdall.
Computer manufacturer Dell takes second position in the guide after leaping from tenth position in the previous version. The firm was applauded for having the most ambitious climate target, with plans to reduce its emissions by 40 percent by 2015, and a strong policy on sustainable paper sourcing.
After three years at the top of the survey, Nokia slipped from first place to third, mainly due to weaker performance on the energy criteria, Greenpeace explained.
"If it hopes to regain leadership on environmental issues, Nokia, along with many other companies in the guide, needs to demonstrate how it will reduce future emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy," added Mr Dowdall.
The Greenpeace report has been instrumental in helping firms to commit to phase out hazardous chemicals, such as PVC, from their products, according to the charity. Companies are in the process of translating commitments into products on the market, beginning with individual components or a few niche products and extending to the complete phase-out of PVC and brominated flame retardents from whole product lines, Greenpeace says.
Posted by Matthew Bird
