In a groundbreaking announcement just ahead of Earth Day, Apple revealed impressive strides in its environmental mission, achieving a remarkable 60 percent reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions from its 2015 benchmarks. This achievement is a significant step in Apple’s ambitious Apple 2030 initiative, which aims for full carbon neutrality across all operations within the next five years. The company detailed these accomplishments and more in its latest Environmental Progress Report, underscoring a commitment to sustainable innovation and environmental responsibility.
Apple’s environmental initiatives go beyond mere emissions reductions. The tech giant has reached new highs in the use of recycled materials, reporting that 99 percent of the rare earth elements used in all magnets and 99 percent of the cobalt in Apple-designed batteries are now recycled. This not only highlights Apple’s dedication to minimizing its ecological footprint but also its innovative approach to product design and material sourcing.
Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, expressed her pride in the company’s progress. She emphasized that Apple’s journey toward the 2030 target involves every facet of the business, from product design to supply chain management. Jackson cited increased use of clean energy and recycled materials, as well as efforts to conserve water and reduce waste, as key components of Apple’s strategy. She acknowledged the challenges ahead but affirmed that Apple is addressing them with a blend of innovation, collaboration, and urgency.
Pushing for Clean Energy in the Supply Chain
Apple has made substantial progress in transitioning its supply chain to renewable energy. Currently, 17.8 gigawatts of renewable electricity are operational within Apple’s global supply network. This shift, part of Apple’s initiative to ensure that all suppliers use 100 percent renewable energy by 2030, has already prevented 21.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 alone, marking a 17 percent improvement over the previous year. Suppliers have also optimized their energy efficiency, avoiding nearly 2 million metric tons of emissions.
Cleaner Semiconductor Production
Apple is also tackling the direct climate impact of industrial processes, particularly in semiconductor and flat-panel display manufacturing. These processes emit fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-GHGs), which are potent contributors to climate change. Apple has secured commitments from 26 of its direct semiconductor suppliers to abate at least 90 percent of F-GHGs by 2030. This advancement not only benefits Apple but also extends to other customers served by these facilities. Additionally, all of Apple’s direct display suppliers have pledged similar reductions, resulting in the abatement of 8.4 million metric tons of emissions in 2024.
Commitment to Recycled and Renewable Materials
Apple continues to expand its use of recycled and renewable materials, achieving significant reductions in carbon emissions without sacrificing product quality or performance. The company has already surpassed 99 percent of its goal to use 100 percent recycled rare earth elements and cobalt by 2025. This commitment extends to ensuring responsible sourcing and upholding high standards of human rights and environmental protection across its supply chain.
Waste Reduction Efforts
Apple’s Zero Waste program has redirected approximately 600,000 metric tons of waste from landfills in 2024 alone, bringing the total to 3.6 million metric tons since its inception in 2015. This effort equates to eliminating 4.5 million square meters of landfill space. Apple and its partners are continually innovating to accelerate progress in waste management, utilizing recyclable protective films, reusable manufacturing trays, and recovering valuable metals from waste liquids generated during circuit board production.
Reducing Product Emissions
Apple’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its products, such as the MacBook Air, which incorporates over 55 percent recycled content. The company also introduced its first carbon-neutral product, the Mac mini, and offers a carbon-neutral option for all Apple Watch models. These products are designed to minimize emissions across materials, electricity, and transportation, with remaining emissions balanced through high-quality carbon credits.
Water Conservation Initiatives
Since the launch of the Supplier Clean Water Program in 2013, Apple and its suppliers have conserved over 90 billion gallons of fresh water. Efforts focus on water reuse, efficiency, and other conservation measures, achieving a reuse rate of 42 percent last year and saving 14 billion gallons in 2024 alone. Apple aims to replenish 100 percent of freshwater withdrawals in high-stress locations by 2030, with partnerships contributing over 40 percent toward this goal. Projects in the U.S., India, and Africa are expected to yield significant water benefits over the next two decades.
Celebrating Earth Day with Apple
As Earth Day approaches, Apple is engaging customers and users in a variety of activities focused on environmental protection and awareness. Through its Apple Trade In and recycling programs, available globally at Apple Store locations, customers can trade in old devices for credit or recycle them responsibly. Until May 16, those who recycle eligible items in-store will receive a 10 percent discount on an Apple accessory.
On Earth Day, Apple Watch users can earn a special award by completing a 30-minute workout, promoting outdoor activity and fitness. Apple Fitness+ provides a wide range of workouts and meditations accessible anywhere, including outdoors, with a special Time to Walk episode featuring actress and climate advocate Shailene Woodley.
The Apple TV app offers a curated selection of movies and shows celebrating Earth, including family-friendly favorites and awe-inspiring Apple Originals. Apple TV+ also features award-winning series and specials that highlight the planet’s wonders.
Additionally, a new Earth Day collection in the Tips app provides users with information on eco-friendly actions, such as identifying plants with the Photos app, optimizing Maps for outdoor journeys, and conserving electricity at home.
For more details on Apple’s environmental initiatives, visit apple.com/environment.
Apple’s comprehensive approach to sustainability demonstrates a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and global collaboration. As the company continues to advance toward its 2030 goals, it serves as a model for other corporations striving to balance business growth with environmental responsibility.
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