Hewlett-Packard has unveiled a year-long training program aimed at providing the management staff of its suppliers in China with the knowledge to improve social and environmental responsibility practices in their factories.

According to Green Biz, the Focused Improvement Supplier Initiative (FISI) provides clear and measurable benefits for supplier factories, including increased productivity and quality and reduced worker turnover, injuries and illnesses.

Over the year, suppliers will work to minimize factory risks, share best practices, access social and environmental responsibility content experts in China, improve the skill sets of key factory managers, and demonstrate progress toward conformance to the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct. The code of conduct outlines standards to ensure that working conditions in the electronics industry supply chain are safe, that workers are treated with respect and dignity, and that manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible.

Business for Social Responsibility's China Training Institute and Foxconn will work with HP on the initiative.