HP drives eco-friendly print production practices with POPAI membership

Demand for more environmentally friendly print has been on the rise for some time now, not least in the retail sector where print businesses are coming under increasing scrutiny from their customers to provide more eco-conscious solutions.

The type of printed work associated with the retail sector is often created for short-term use. Applications such as point-of-sale materials, posters and banners are only temporary features in shops and, as such, need to be as recyclable as possible so as not to impact a company's environmental footprint.

Sustainability is a critically important part of HP's strategy and accordingly we are committed to helping print service providers to identify more environmentally friendly solutions to achieve their own goals. As part of our commitment, HP has recently joined POPAI - part of the Shop! global network - to help promote the adoption of more sustainable printing practices in the retail sector.

HP has always been fiercely dedicated to the environment and our impact on wider society. This ongoing commitment is expertly summed up by HP founder Dave Packard, who said many years ago: "The betterment of our society is not a job to be left to a few. It is a responsibility to be shared by all."

In 1991, HP got ahead of the market by launching a campaign called HP Planet Partners, which offers our partners a simple and convenient way to recycle original HP inkjet supplies, computer hardware and rechargeable batteries.

This simple, yet extremely effective, system means that all returned products are recycled properly and processed to recover valuable plastics and metals for new products. Millions of tons of waste have been diverted from landfill.

While other companies have attempted to replicate such a program, the high cost of maintenance unfortunately meant that they were forced to stop. Thankfully, here at HP, we have been able to continue with this initiative, which, running for more than 30 years, is contributing to zero landfill.

Furthermore, HP has launched the world's first laptop manufactured with high-quality recycled plastics-material saved from the ocean, courtesy of the company's $2m plastic washing line that opened in Haiti in 2020.

So, how does this fit in with POPAI and the retail sector? HP's technology is used to produce a wide range of materials for the retail industry and, as such, we saw becoming a member of POPAI as the ideal opportunity to connect with companies operating in this market and spread awareness of our eco conscious print solutions.

Whether this is by helping a print business cut down on the amount of waste material they create during production through the investment in more efficient printers or reducing their overall impact on the environment by switching to water-based inks such as HP Latex Ink, HP is a pioneer in this area.

Take for example HP Latex printers; these are the leading solutions in the market for companies that are looking to improve their environmental credentials, while at the same time retaining an excellent quality of printed output.

HP Latex printers all run water-based inks, which are significantly kinder to the environment than solvent-based, eco-solvent, UV and UV gel inks. This immediately improves your environmental image and is something you can pass on to your customers.

For proof of HP's commitment to the environment, then look no further than the impressive raft of certifications that have been awarded to HP Latex inks. The latest HP Latex inks are all UL ECOLOGO certified, meaning they meet strict health and environmental criteria, while the inks also hold the coveted GREENGUARD GOLD certification, confirming their ultra-low emissions.

This focus is strengthened through the HP Amplify Impact program, which extends HP's Sustainable Impact strategy to encourage HP partners to drive change across the global IT sector. Those that pledge their commitment to the scheme gain access to HP's knowledge, training and resources - not only to improve their environmental credentials, but also to significantly enhance print production.

Our membership of POPAI means we can educate those in the retail sector and promote the wide range of benefits they will enjoy by adopting a more eco-conscious and sustainable approach towards their print production processes.