Tim Cook CEO of Apple | Apple
Apple has announced it has surpassed a 60 percent reduction in its global greenhouse gas emissions compared to levels reported in 2015. This achievement is part of the company's goal, Apple 2030, aiming to become carbon neutral across its entire footprint over the next five years.
The company highlighted several environmental milestones including its use of 99 percent recycled rare earth elements in all its magnets and 99 percent recycled cobalt in all Apple-designed batteries. This progress was detailed in Apple's annual Environmental Progress Report. “We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’re making toward Apple 2030, which touches every part of our business,” stated Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives.
Apple's strategy involves cutting greenhouse emissions by 75 percent from a 2015 baseline and applying high-quality carbon credits to counterbalance remaining emissions. Last year, their efforts, including transitioning their supply chain to renewable electricity, were estimated to have avoided 41 million metric tons of carbon emissions.
As Earth Day approaches, Apple is engaging its teams, partners, and customers globally, with initiatives such as special offers for users who recycle devices. The company has 17.8 gigawatts of renewable electricity online in its global supply chain and avoided 21.8 million metric tons of emissions in 2024 alone. Apple is also encouraging its suppliers to cut greenhouse emissions, particularly focusing on reducing potent fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-GHGs) in manufacturing processes.
The company is increasing its use of recycled and renewable materials across its products to lower their carbon footprint. Apple is committed to using 100 percent recycled rare earth elements and cobalt by 2025. It has made significant progress, achieving 99 percent of these goals to date.
Apple's Zero Waste program continued to show results with suppliers redirecting approximately 600,000 metric tons of waste from landfills in 2024. Apple plans to achieve a 100 percent replenishment of freshwater withdrawals by 2030 and has initiated projects contributing to over 40 percent of this target.
To mark Earth Day, Apple is offering customers the chance to recycle old products for credit or responsibly dispose of them. Customers can also receive discounts on Apple accessories when recycling eligible items before May 16, 2025.
Apple Watch users can earn a limited-edition Earth Day award by completing a workout of 30 minutes or more on April 22. Through Apple TV+, the company is highlighting original series and content dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the Earth's wonders.