HP’s Ocean-Bound Plastics Initiative: Transforming Waste into Sustainable Technology
Each year, 8 million metric tons of discarded water bottles and other plastic litter blankets our ocean floors and circulates through ocean currents – that’s equivalent to the weight of 57,000 blue whales. What’s more, that single-use plastic bottle someone just purchased will take 450 years to decompose.
But all is not lost. Some companies, like HP, are stepping in to help. Because of the overwhelming global plastic pollution problem, HP is working to divert ocean-bound plastic into our circular supply chain, where it can be recycled into new, high-value products.
What are ocean-bound plastics and why do they matter?
Ocean-bound plastics are any plastic products found within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of a waterway or coastal area that have not been collected and are not likely to be, according to NextWave Plastics, an HP partner. Much of that waste finds its way into the water, putting sea life and their habitat at risk.
Once any piece of single-use plastic reaches the ocean, it’s almost impossible to collect it. That’s why HP is working to keep plastic from reaching the ocean in the first place. HP’s goal is to take plastic that would otherwise end up in the ocean and upcycle it to create new HP hardware and print supplies through our HP Planet Partners recycling program.
Recycling can make an impact
Imagine you are headed out to your local trail for a hike. You forgot to bring water so, on the way, you stop by a gas station to pick up a plastic bottle of water. You know that plastic is harmful to the environment, but you decide that it’s okay to purchase a single-use bottle since you’re an avid recycler.
While many people take comfort in their recycling habits, sadly only 9% of plastic waste is recycled globally. What happens to the rest? In many cases, the surplus makes its way over time into the ocean causing death and disruption to marine life.
Each country prioritizes recycling differently, and in developing countries like Haiti, plastic pollution is an ongoing issue. Here, plastic bottles in particular visibly litter the land and waterways in some areas due to a lack of a proper waste management system. And while the U.S. is one of the world’s biggest plastic waste producers, much of our garbage has been shipped overseas to China and other developing countries, allowing us to close our eyes to the problem.
HP is determined to reduce the amount of ocean-bound plastics globally by incorporating them into new products, a win for both consumers and the environment.
Planet, people, and community
HP’s Sustainable Impact efforts incorporate more than just recycling. Environmental issues are only one part of HP’s Sustainable Impact strategy. The other two tenets are people and community. In the push for a more equitable planet, human rights and dignity are vital as we pursue creating a sustainable recycling system.
Engaging the local community in Haiti
Collaboration between HP and First Mile has created 1,100 new employment opportunities in Haiti while addressing the problem of ocean-bound plastics. So how does a company that employs nearly 60,000 people worldwide devise a sustainability plan that is both effective and ethical?
The program hires local citizens to provide them with a meaningful income while also diverting waste into HP products to create more sustainable products.
Many families in Haiti rely on plastic collection as a source of income. For example, Rosette is a woman from Haiti with five children to care for. After losing her husband in the 2010 earthquake, Rosette’s family became homeless. Now she runs a collection business that gathers bottles for use in the HP supply chain, helping address plastic pollution in her community while providing the materials HP needs for their products. This income helps Rosette pay her rent, buy food, and keep her kids in school.
HP also partners with First Mile and WORK in Haiti to offer educational opportunities, access to healthcare, safety workshops, and job training and placement. With its partners, HP has established two schools equipped with HP technology serving 150 children.
The reduction of ocean-bound plastics goes hand-in-hand with providing opportunities to support the communities impacted, creating a cycle of renewal and rebuilding.
Partnering globally to increase the impact of sustainability
The crusade to move to more sustainable technology is not a simple one. HP partners with NextWave Plastics, an organization that helps multinational companies facilitate ocean-bound supply chains. HP is one of the first major corporations committed to developing a global network of ocean-bound plastic supply chains.
Other companies include IKEA, Dell, and General Motors. Together we help orchestrate collective action among large corporations to amplify the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14.1, which focuses on preserving life below water.
HP and the history of sustainable tech
Although HP began their sustainability journey as early as 1940, when HP recorded its first charitable donation, HP Planet Partners was created in 1991 to demonstrate the company’s commitment to create a more sustainable planet and create a low-carbon, circular economy.
HP’s efforts are making an impact
HP has used more than 60 million plastic bottles from Haiti in our products since the initiative began in 2016. Ink cartridges, computer monitors, and tote bags have all leveraged recycled plastic materials, with exciting new products continually launching. Although this sounds like a small dent, that’s over 1.7 million pounds of plastic that will not go into the ocean, because it’s, instead, going into the tech products you use.
HP products made with ocean-bound plastic
As consumers grow increasingly aware of their purchasing habits and their impact on the environment, HP continues to build out its portfolio of sustainable products. Savvy consumers can participate by purchasing products that utilize ocean-bound plastics. Here is a sampling of those products.
HP Laptop 17z-cp300
The HP Laptop 17z-cp300 is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious users who need a reliable, large-screen laptop for everyday computing tasks. This model incorporates ocean-bound plastics in its construction, offering a blend of performance and sustainability.
- AMD Ryzen™ 5 7530U processor
- AMD Radeon™ Graphics
- 8 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM
- 128 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
With its spacious 17.3-inch display, this laptop is perfect for multitasking, content consumption, and light productivity work. The AMD Ryzen processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, while the use of ocean-bound plastics in its construction makes it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14-ey1067nr
The HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14-ey1067nr combines powerful performance with sustainable design, making it an ideal choice for users who want a premium computing experience without compromising on environmental responsibility. This laptop incorporates ocean-bound plastics in its construction, contributing to HP’s sustainability efforts.
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 processor
- AMD Radeon™ Graphics
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- 14" diagonal 2.8K OLED display
The HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14-ey1067nr is perfect for professionals and creatives who need a high-performance machine with a stunning display. The 2.8K OLED screen provides vivid colors and deep contrasts, ideal for photo editing, graphic design, or enjoying high-quality media. Its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor and ample memory ensure smooth multitasking and quick application launches, all while knowing you’re using a product that contributes to reducing ocean plastic pollution.
HP E45c G5 DQHD Curved Monitor
The HP E45c G5 DQHD Curved Monitor offers an immersive viewing experience while incorporating sustainable materials, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious professionals seeking a high-performance display.
- 44.5-inch diagonal DQHD display (5120 x 1440 resolution)
- 3000:1 contrast ratio
- 3ms response time with overdrive
- VA panel technology
This monitor is ideal for professionals who need expansive screen real estate and superior image quality. The curved design and ultra-wide format provide an immersive experience, perfect for multitasking, data analysis, and creative work. With features like Virtual Dual Display and HP Device Bridge 2.0, users can maximize productivity by seamlessly working across multiple devices or applications.
The E45c G5 also demonstrates HP’s commitment to sustainability. It contains recycled plastics, including ocean-bound plastic, and recycled metals in its construction. The monitor’s eco-friendly design extends to its packaging, with 100% sustainably sourced and recyclable outer box and cushions. This makes it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious users who don’t want to compromise on performance or features.
HP Renew Business 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack
The HP Renew Business 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack is a testament to HP’s commitment to sustainability, offering a practical and eco-friendly solution for carrying your tech gear.
- Fits up to a 17.3-inch laptop
- Made with recycled fabric
- Slip and zip pockets
- Lockable zippers
This backpack is perfect for professionals and students who want to protect their devices while making an environmentally conscious choice. The use of recycled materials, including ocean-bound plastics, in its construction helps reduce waste and supports HP’s sustainability initiatives. The backpack’s durability and thoughtful design ensure that your laptop and accessories are well-protected during your daily commute or travels.
The future of sustainable computing
As HP continues to innovate in the realm of sustainable technology, we’re not just creating products – we’re fostering a movement towards more responsible consumption and production. By choosing HP products made with ocean-bound plastics, consumers are directly contributing to the reduction of plastic waste in our oceans and supporting communities affected by plastic pollution.
Where are HP computers made?
HP has a global manufacturing footprint, with facilities in various countries. While the exact location can vary depending on the specific model, many HP laptops and computers are manufactured in China, Thailand, and Malaysia. However, it’s important to note that regardless of where they are assembled, HP maintains strict quality control standards and incorporates sustainable practices, including the use of ocean-bound plastics, across its global supply chain.
Committing to a more sustainable planet
HP includes ocean-bound plastics in all of our new HP Elite and HP Pro desktop and laptop computers launched in the last year. And we will continue to push forward to increase the use of recycled materials.
Experts predict that items made with ocean plastics will outweigh all the ocean’s fish by 2050. And while some people have an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach to plastic consumption, HP is doing something now to shift the planet’s disrupted ecosystem by prioritizing a circular, low-carbon economy.
HP recognizes the urgency and continues to find new and innovative ways to help preserve our planet. So the next time you go for a hike, bring your reusable water bottle with you. And when you shop for your next computer, consider repurposing the single-use plastics that HP has incorporated into our laptops, computer monitors, and accessories.
By choosing HP products made with ocean-bound plastics, you’re not just buying a computer or accessory – you’re investing in a more sustainable future for our planet.
