HP Helps Auto Companies Become More Sustainable

Over the next five years, HP will be hosting the International Material Data System (IMDS), a standardized format for exchanging material information throughout the manufacturing process that makes it easier for the automotive industry to comply with legal requirements in a cost-efficient manner. HP said in its blog that 34 of the world's leading car manufactures will benefit from it and eliminate toxic substances from their supply chain.

The IMDS supplies more than 40 million data sheets that list the details of every substance involved in the manufacture of all components. It helps prevent the use of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium and ensures that reportable substances are declared for recycling. Under its contract, HP Enterprise Services will continue to develop, maintain and host the IMDS global data repository.

"Previously, OEMs all had their own lists of prohibited and reportable substances, which made it difficult to identify them in the supply chain," said Jaguar Land Rover's Matthew, who is also a member of the IMDS Steering Committee.

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Antonio Pasolini is a Corporate Social Responsibility writer for Justmeans, Antonio Pasolini is a journalist based in Brazil who writes about alternative energy, green living and sustainability. He also edits Energyrefuge.com, a top web destination for news and comment on renewable energy and Elpis.org, a recycled paper bag/magazine distributed from health food stores in London, formerly his hometown for over a decade. He is also a happy herbivore.