Apple hints at greener future

Apple hopes to one day stop using mined materials and make its products 100% recyclable. That’s according to the technology giant’s annual environment report, which says the firm is looking […]

Apple hopes to one day stop using mined materials and make its products 100% recyclable.

That’s according to the technology giant’s annual environment report, which says the firm is looking into ways to cut out the presence of metals and toxic rare materials such as tungsten, tantalum, gold and cobalt from its devices.

The firm has faced criticism in the past for allegedly using resources associated with mines in war-torn regions, where children are employed and in places where environmental protections aren’t properly regulated.

The company said it wants to rid its supply chain of these damaging materials and instead use sustainable, recycled alternatives but has not yet published a timeframe in which it hopes to achieve this.

Despite this, the firm says it won’t give customers the ‘right to repair’ their devices and add longevity to its products, something green groups have suggested would slash waste and environmental impact.

The report stated: “We’re moving toward a closed-loop supply chain. One day we’d like to be able to build new products with just recycled materials, including your old products.”

Latest Podcast