Apple Paves the Way to 2030: Introducing Carbon-Neutral Apple Watches and a Greener Future

Apple has unveiled its premier carbon-neutral offerings with the latest Apple Watch series. Through design advancements and clean energy adoption, each of these eco-friendly Apple Watches has seen a dramatic 75% reduction in emission levels. This achievement propels Apple closer to its Apple 2030 initiative – an ambition to ensure all its products are carbon-neutral by 2030, spanning their entire lifespan and across global supply chains.

Complementing the 2030 vision, Apple has phased out leather use in all its offerings, rolled out entirely fibre-based packaging for the new watch series, and incorporated more recycled materials into the iPhone. Moreover, the company has launched the ‘Grid Forecast’ tool within the Home app. This feature educates users about the most eco-friendly times to consume electricity.

Lisa Jackson, Apple’s VP of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, stated that the company remains committed to addressing climate change. “By focusing on green energy and sustainable designs, we’ve achieved monumental emissions cuts. Turning the world’s favourite watch carbon-neutral is a significant accomplishment, but our innovation journey is far from over,” she emphasized.

Apple’s Carbon Neutral 2030 Agenda:
Apple’s decarbonization strategy targets three primary emission sources: electricity, materials, and transportation. Once notable reductions are made, the company will offset any remaining emissions through premium carbon credits from eco-conscious projects.

To qualify as carbon-neutral, each Apple Watch must adhere to rigorous criteria, including 100% renewable energy for manufacturing and usage, 30% weight from recycled or renewable materials, and a 50% reduction in air-based shipping. Consequently, this process results in a 75% emission drop per model. Any remaining emissions will be offset, ensuring a carbon-neutral product. Various Apple Watch models, such as the Aluminium Series 9, SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, have received certifications from SCS Global Services for their environmental standards.

Journey Towards a Greener 2030:
Apple’s inaugural carbon-neutral products reflect years of dedication and innovation throughout the company and its global supply chain. This initiative dates back over ten years.

In 2020, Apple’s global corporate operations reached carbon neutrality, and the company launched the Apple 2030 vision: a bold goal to achieve full value chain carbon neutrality by 2030. By focusing on activities that prevent carbon generation, ramping up renewable energy integration, and innovating with sustainable materials, Apple has cut emissions by over 45% since 2015, even as revenues rose by over 65%.

Over a decade ago, Apple invested in vast solar and wind projects to fuel its infrastructure. By 2015, the tech giant began aiding manufacturing partners in developing their renewable energy projects. Since 2018, Apple’s entire corporate footprint, including retail stores, data centres, and offices, has run on renewable electricity.