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In September 2006, Greenpeace International produced a report entitled "Toxic Chemicals in Computers: Determining the presence of hazardous substances in five brands of laptop computers". The report showed levels of the brominated flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) in one HP notebook computer, bought and tested in March 2006.
In 1998, HP introduced its General Specification for the Environment (GSE), which restricts suppliers' use of a number of potentially hazardous substances in HP products, including DecaBDE. The results contained in the Greenpeace report indicated a non-conformity to our policy on material use, which HP takes seriously. HP's policy on the use of DecaBDE in our products has not changed, it remains restricted in our General Specification for the Environment.
HP and our suppliers drive leading industry practices such as performing regular compliance audits according to our GSE. When issues like the one highlighted by Greenpeace or our own proactive compliance processes are identified they are promptly investigated and addressed. In the case highlighted by Greenpeace, we identified that the supplier mis-interpreted our GSE and we have recommunicated to them that DecaBDE is not permitted.
The notebook tested by Greenpeace in March 2006 is no longer in production as it has been replaced by a newer generation product. However, the process issue leading to the non-conformance to our GSE specification has been resolved. HP continues to educate our suppliers on our General Specification for Environment and verify their compliance to those requirements. |
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