Greenpeace shames HP in rooftop protest

Figures protesting

The roof of HP's headquarters in California was this week smeared with the slogan "hazardous products" by Greenpeace activists.

"The unconstructive antics at HP's headquarters did nothing to advance the goals that all who care about the environment share," the computing giant claimed in a statement.

Greenpeace staged the protest after HP allegedly failed to make good on its 2007 promise to phase out the use of dangerous substances such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic from its computer products by the end of this year.

"It's shameful that HP is continuing to put hazardous products on the market, despite the promises it had made," said Casey Harrell, Greenpeace International toxics campaigner, in a statement.

She added: "Instead of going back on its commitments, HP should be following the lead of companies like Apple, which has led the sector in phasing out these toxic chemicals."

HP claimed that it is committed to reducing the use of BFR/PVC in its products until they are completely eliminated, beginning in 2010

"By the end of 2011 all new PC products released will be free of BFR/PVCs," it said in a statement.

But Greenpeace claimed that HP "has both the responsibility and the ability to provide environmental responsibility and leadership" - particularly, since it is the current market leader.

Last month, HP unveiled its first eco-friendly range of HP Deskjet Printers.