1. Who leads environmental efforts at Apple?
2. How does Apple plan to reach zero net emissions by 2030?
3. How does Apple conduct its Product Greenhouse Gas Life Cycle Assessment?
-
To model the manufacturing phase, we use part-by-part measurements of the entire product along with data on part production. In some cases where part-by-part data is not readily available, we also use design-level data for size and weight detail. The measurements help us accurately determine the size and weight of the components and materials in the product, while data on manufacturing processes and yield loss during production allows us to account for the impact of manufacturing. The LCA includes accessories and packaging, as well as decreased emissions through Apple’s Supplier Clean Energy Program. When calculating Apple’s comprehensive carbon footprint, we also include units that are repaired and replaced through AppleCare. -
To model customer use, we measure the power consumed by a product while it is running in a simulated scenario. Daily usage patterns are specific to each product and are a mixture of actual and modeled customer use data. For the purposes of our assessment, years of use, which are based on first owners, are modeled to be four years for macOS and tvOS devices and three years for iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS devices. Most Apple products last longer and are often passed along, resold, or returned to Apple by the first owner for others to use. More information on our product energy use is provided in our Product Environmental Reports . -
To model transportation, we use data collected on shipments of single products and multipack units by land, sea, and air. We account for transporting materials between manufacturing sites; transporting products from manufacturing sites to regional distribution hubs; transporting products from regional distribution hubs to individual customers; and transporting products from final customers to recycling facilities. -
To model end of life, we use material composition data on our products and estimate the ratio of products that are sent to recycling or disposal. For products sent to recycling, we capture the initial processing by the recycler to prepare the product for recovery of electronic, metal, plastic, and glass material streams. Subsequent downstream recycling processes are not included, as these are considered stages of production and not end‑of‑life processing. For products sent to disposal, we capture the emissions associated with landfilling or incineration of each type of material. -
After we collect data about manufacturing, use, transportation, and end of life, we combine it with detailed greenhouse gas emission data. This emission data is based on a combination of Apple-specific and industry-average datasets for material production, manufacturing processes, electricity generation, and transportation. Renewable energy used in the supply chain, initiated by suppliers independently or through the Apple Supplier Clean Energy Program, is also accounted for within the LCA model. Combining product-specific information with emission data in our LCA allows us to compile detailed results for greenhouse gas emissions as they relate to each product. The data and modeling approaches are checked for quality and accuracy by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany.
4. Does Apple report country-specific environmental data?
5. Does Apple have an Environmental Health and Safety Policy?
6. Does Apple restrict substances that are hazardous to human health and the environment?
7. Does Apple restrict brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from its products?
8. Does Apple use PFAS in its products?
9. What is REACH, and how is Apple complying with the REACH regulation?
10. Does Apple use ozone-depleting substances?
11. How is Apple helping to accelerate a circular economy?
12. Is Apple reducing its use of plastics?
13. Where can I find the product sheet on environmental qualities and characteristics, as required by the AGEC law?
14. How do I make the most of the battery in my Apple device?
15. When and how should I get the battery of my Apple device replaced?
16. Does Apple offer repair for its products?
17. Does Apple offer recycling?
18. Does Apple set standards for environmental protection and worker rights in its supply chain?
19. Does Apple work with environmental NGOs or other partners?
20. Does Apple have an ISO 14001 certification?
21. Does Apple comply with the European Union Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive?