Apple has, according to its own statements, fully switched its packaging to fibre-based materials, thereby achieving its self-set goal of removing plastic from packaging by 2025. The company announced this in its latest Environmental Progress Report. In addition to packaging, increased recycling rates in devices and new recycling technologies are also a focus.
According to Apple, around 30 percent of all materials used in its products will be made from recycled raw materials by 2025. At the same time, the company has removed all plastic components from its packaging and switched to fibre-based solutions. Apple states that this will make the packaging easier to process in household and paper recycling.
Packaging changeover complete
Apple stated that it has redeveloped numerous packaging components over the past ten years. According to the company, these included paper-based replacement solutions for plastic trays and screen protectors. Packaging has also been designed to be more easily recyclable. Large packaging units can now be dismantled so that they fit into standard household recycling bins.
According to the company, more than 15,000 tonnes of plastic have been saved in the past five years. This equates to approximately 500 million plastic bottles.
Recycling materials are gaining importance
Alongside the packaging changes, Apple is increasing the proportion of recycled materials in its devices. According to the company, the batteries developed by Apple are now made entirely from recycled cobalt. Recycled rare-earth materials are also used exclusively in magnets. Furthermore, circuit boards are processed with fully recycled gold and tin.
Apple is also investing in new recycling technology for material recovery. The company has commissioned a new recycling line in California called „Cora“. In addition, an AI-powered recognition system named „A.R.I.S.“ is being used, which is intended to automatically sort electronic waste.
Packaging remains part of the climate strategy
The packaging change is part of the „Apple 2030“ sustainability strategy. The company's goal is to become climate-neutral across its entire value chain by the end of the decade. According to Apple, greenhouse gas emissions are now more than 60 percent below 2015 levels.
Source: Apple
