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Apple has announced significant strides in its environmental efforts, achieving an unprecedented level of recycled material usage in its products. By 2025, 30 percent of the materials in all Apple products shipped will come from recycled sources. This achievement, along with other important milestones, reflects Apple’s commitment to innovation and collaboration within its global supply chain. The company now uses 100 percent recycled cobalt in all batteries it designs and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets. Furthermore, Apple has fulfilled its goal of eliminating plastic from its packaging, transitioning to fiber-based materials that can be recycled at home.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, remarked, “At Apple, we believe deeply in leaving the world better than we found it, and that commitment runs across everything we do.” He emphasized that these environmental milestones demonstrate that ambitious goals can drive innovation, and the company remains committed to furthering these efforts.
The annual Environmental Progress Report highlights Apple’s progress towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The report notes that Apple’s greenhouse gas emissions are down by over 60 percent since 2015, even amidst considerable business growth. Additional progress is noted in renewable energy utilization, materials innovation, recycling, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Sabih Khan, stated, “Across every part of our business, we’re showing how innovation and collaboration can turn big ideas and bold ambitions into measurable progress.” Apple has set benchmarks for recycled content, achieving complete use of recycled cobalt, rare earth elements, and recycled gold plating and tin soldering in its components. The company prioritizes responsible sourcing of all materials and maintains high standards for human rights and environmental practices in its supply chain.
Apple has also introduced Cora, an advanced electronics-recycling line, and A.R.I.S., a machine learning-powered detection system, to enhance material recovery rates. Its Supplier Clean Energy Program has seen suppliers procure over 20 gigawatts of renewable energy, enough to power 3.4 million U.S. homes annually.
Efforts in water conservation have led to saving 17 billion gallons of fresh water in the past year, with initiatives aimed at replenishing all water withdrawn by 2030. Apple’s new MacBook Neo is highlighted as the company’s lowest-carbon laptop, utilizing 60 percent recycled content and incorporating water-efficient production processes.
Apple continues its commitment to waste reduction, achieving a 75 percent waste diversion rate last year and gaining TRUE Zero Waste Certification for its Fifth Avenue retail store. The company encourages recycling with a special Earth Day offer, where customers can receive a discount on AirPods or accessories by recycling eligible Apple products at participating stores.