To ensure that we minimize the social and environmental impact of our worldwide supply chain practices, we have:

  • Implemented the use of a Supply Chain Social and Environmental Policy
  • Adopted the use of the new RBA Code of Conduct, which formalises hp's supplier labour, human rights, health, safety, environmental and ethical expectations
  • Strengthened our supplier contract and purchasing agreements to reflect our new expectations
  • Communicated our SER conformance monitoring process
  • Began auditing of our supplier's facilities
  • Developed requirements for supplier performance reporting and corrective actions for nonconformance
  • Expanded performance results of supply chain SER conformance in HP's annual Sustainability Report


We expect every supplier to act as responsible corporate citizens and take a positive, proactive stance on social and environmental issues. We ask that they pursue a policy of continuous improvement and be forthright in sharing relevant information with us.

Supplier sustainability requirements apply to any supplier doing business with HP. They are part of any contract with an HP legal entity that obligates the supplier to comply with HP’s Supply Chain Responsibility requirements or policies including the Supplier Code of Conduct. “Supplier” refers to any party that provides goods or services for HP’s internal use or in connection with a product that is sold, provided, or marketed by HP.

Sustainability criteria are part of the contract every supplier must sign to do business with HP. Specifically, every supplier that does business with us represents and warrants that it will:

Promptly upon request by HP, Supplier agrees that it will:

Regarding environmental programs, HP suppliers are expected to participate in greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction activities by maintaining a credible GHG reduction strategy for worldwide operations. Elements of a credible strategy include:

  • a corporate-wide GHG inventory (ideally third party reviewed or assured) reported to HP annually through the RBA-ON tool
  • a current, publicly announced, corporate-level GHG emissions reduction goal
  • a commitment to make improvements in GHG emissions performance as necessary

Suppliers are also expected to participate in HP-led environmental improvement projects as requested by HP. Examples include:

  • Energy Efficiency Program (EEP)
  • Global Social Compliance Program (GSCP) Environmental Reference Tools
  • Manufacturing process-based programs


Moreover, the following HP requirements are included in HP’s Supplier Code of Conduct and conveyed to suppliers through contractual agreements, social and environmental responsibility self-assessment questionnaires, and on-site supplier monitoring (comprehensive audits and focused assessments):

  • Energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are to be tracked and documented. Suppliers are to look for cost-effective methods to improve energy efficiency in their operations and minimize their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond our Supplier Code of Conduct, HP requests that suppliers disclose data including Scope 1, 2 and, 3 GHG emissions, electricity usage, renewable-energy usage, water consumption, water recycling and discharge, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation. We also inquire about suppliers’ GHG/energy-reduction goals, water consumption goals, and waste reduction goals.
  • Pollution prevention and resource reduction of all waste types, including water and energy, are to be reduced or eliminated at the source or by such practices as modifying production, maintenance and facility processes, materials substitution, conservation, recycling, and reusing materials.
  • Hazardous substances—chemicals and other materials posing a hazard if released to the environment—are to be identified and managed to provide for safe handling, movement, storage, use, recycling or reuse, and disposal.
  • Wastewater and solid waste are to be systematically identified, managed, reduced, and responsibly disposed of or recycled (if non-hazardous). Wastewater and solid waste generated from operations, industrial processes and sanitation facilities are to be characterized, monitored, controlled, and treated as required prior to discharge or disposal. In addition, measures should be implemented to reduce wastewater generation. The supplier shall conduct routine monitoring of the performance of its wastewater treatment systems.
  • Environmental permits, approvals, and registrations are to be obtained, maintained, and kept current and their operational and reporting requirements (for example, discharge monitoring) are to be followed.
  • Substances in products and manufacturing (including labeling and disposal) are to adhere to all prohibitions and restrictions of applicable laws, regulations, and HP requirements.
  • Air emissions of volatile organic chemicals, aerosols, corrosives, particulates, ozone-depleting chemicals and combustion by-products generated from operations are to be characterized, routinely monitored, controlled, and treated as required prior to discharge. The supplier shall conduct routine monitoring of the performance of its air emission control systems.
  • Stormwater runoff is to be systematically prevented from contamination. Suppliers shall prevent illegal discharges and takes steps to ensure that spills are contained.


In selecting and retaining qualified suppliers, HP will show preference to suppliers that meet or exceed our expectations.

 For more information see Supply Chain Policies and Standards.