Apple Pushes for Recyclable Materials to be Utilized
Apple has recently implemented a plan to ensure that more recycled metals are used in its products. The tech giant has also designed a new system to simplify the disassembly of its devices for recycling processors.
By forming connections with renowned research institutions and working with the Material Recovery Lab based in Austin, Texas, emphasis has been placed on uncovering ways to give materials a second life, while also recognizing design details that are conducive to disassembly and recycling.
Implementing Projector-Based Augmented Reality Systems
The well-known electronics manufacturer announced this week, via a press release, that it has started to put its projector-based augmented reality systems into the hands of recycling firms.
This novel project offers an interesting approach to device disassembly by projecting video imagery directly onto a work surface, allowing workers to easily take apart items such as MacBooks and iPads.
“Every day, Apple is innovating to make technology that enriches people’s lives, while protecting the planet we all share,” Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO stated.
“From the recycled materials in our products, to the clean energy that powers our operations, our environmental work is integral to everything we make and to who we are. So we’ll keep pressing forward in the belief that great technology should be great for our users, and for the environment.”
New Devices Made from Recycled Materials
Also, this week, Apple has presented plans that take new approaches to incorporate recycled materials into its products. By 2025, the company aims to have 100% recycled cobalt integrated into batteries; all magnets consisting of only recycled rare earth elements; and tin soldering as well as gold plating made from solely repurposed supplies incorporated into printed circuit boards.
According to a recent statement with the press, Apple has also taken large strides in making its products more sustainable. An astonishing two-thirds of aluminum, 25% cobalt, 73% rare earths, and more than 95% tungsten have been melded into Apple’s products in 2022, compared to only 13% cobalt and 45% rare earths from 2021.
Apple has been at the forefront of utilizing recycled rare earths in their latest devices too, with the Taptic Engine of iPhone 11 being a prime example. This commitment to sustainability has only grown over time, with all magnets found in newer models of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks and Macs now made from these materials.
A Goal of Sustainability
Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives also explained that, “Our ambition to one day use 100 percent recycled and renewable materials in our products works hand in hand with Apple 2030: our goal to achieve carbon neutral products by 2030.”
Apple continues to take giant strides towards its goal of sourcing materials with minimal environmental impact, and becoming carbon neutral in its supply chain and life cycle of every product by 2030. To this effort, Apple publishes Recycler Guides to aid global recyclers in boosting efficiency, while protecting public health and safety.
Utilizing recycled and renewable materials leads to a smaller environmental impact for each Apple product, thus contributing heavily towards its mission of becoming a carbon neutral company.
“We’re working toward both goals with urgency and advancing innovation across our entire industry in the process.”
