Neil Westhof, Director of Print, HP ANZ
Background
Neil Westhof is the Director of Print for HP ANZ and brings nearly eight years of expertise to the role. He has previously held positions at organisations such as CCV Holland B.V. and Canon. Neil holds a master’s degree in marketing and business Economics from Maastricht University.
To provide insights about why paper isn’t the enemy of sustainability efforts, Tim Langdon, publisher of Eco Voice, had the pleasure of facilitating a Q & A with Neil Westhof, Director of Print, HP ANZ.
Q1. What is sustainably sourced paper?
When you choose sustainably sourced paper, you’re making a positive impact on the environment. It’s harvested from forests that are managed responsibly, ensuring they meet high standards of environmental, social, and economic criteria. These forests are certified by organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council. So, whether you’re using HP-branded paper from these certified forests or recycled content, you’re contributing to a greener planet.
(Laptop Depot & Big things have small beginnings)
Q2. How can plantation forests play a crucial role in responsible paper sourcing?
Plantation forests are balancing the use and sustainability of resources. An example is how organic farms follow strict guidelines to ensure their produce is healthy and sustainable, managed forests, particularly those accredited by FSC, follow rigorous standards to protect biodiversity, water sources, and indigenous rights. These forests ensure a steady supply of wood for paper production while maintaining ecological balance. (Laptop Depot). FSC accreditation also means that the paper can be traced back to the forest where it was harvested, ensuring responsible and transparent sourcing.
Q3. How does the use of paper compare with the carbon footprint and water consumption of data centres and AI technologies?
Print, data centres, and AI each have their own environmental impact. It’s challenging to compare them directly because they serve unique functions. In 2024, there are very few scenarios where they directly compete. What’s crucial is that HP is committed to reducing environmental impacts across all these technologies and striving for sustainability. We also encourage our partners, customers, and even competitors to do the same. (Big things have small beginnings).
Q4. What does eco-friendly printing look like?
Eco-friendly printing involves sustainably sourcing paper, energy-efficient printers, and reducing waste through reprocessing materials. HP’s printing solutions, such as HP+, also contribute by investing in forest restoration and proper management to balance out paper use. (Laptop Depot).
Q5. How does HP encourage consumers to be more eco-friendly?
HP encourages customers to buy responsibly managed paper, use energy-efficient devices, and recycle. We also collaborate with partners on various initiatives to achieve a ‘Forest Positive’ balance in environmental printing costs. (Big things have small beginnings)
Q6. How can publications, such as Eco Voice, play their part in promoting sustainable printing?
Publications such as Eco Voice are great for raising awareness about sustainable practices. They highlight eco-friendly printing solutions, including those supported by HP, and encourage consumers and businesses to adopt these practices. By doing so, they help promote environmental sustainability.
ABOUT ECO VOICE
First published in 2003, Eco Voice is your go-to publication for sustainability news in Australia. Eco Voice prides itself as an independent news platform with a clear focus on sustainability, with articles coming from a diverse range of contributors – all levels of government, corporations, not-for-profits, community groups, small to medium sized businesses, universities, research organisations, together with input from international sources. Eco Voice values community, conservation and commerce. Eco Voice is a media partner of the prestigious Australian Banksia Sustainability Awards – The Peak Sustainability Awards.
ABOUT HP
HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: HP.com.
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