Report:
US technology company Apple has announced its intention to use 100% recycled cobalt in batteries by 2025. In a statement, Apple highlighted the significant progress made in expanding the use of recycled materials in its products. The company aims to incorporate 100% recycled cobalt in all Apple-designed batteries and in Apple devices by 2025. Additionally, Apple plans to utilize fully recycled rare earth elements in magnets by the same year. The statement also mentioned that Apple-designed circuit boards will be 100% recycled, using solder tin and gold-plated materials that are also 100% recycled. Apple has already increased the use of recycled metals in its products, with more than two-thirds of aluminum, nearly three-quarters of tungsten, and over 95% of all rare earth elements sourced from 100% recycled materials. This progress brings Apple closer to its goal of producing all products solely with recycled and renewable materials. The statement further highlights Apple’s progress towards becoming carbon neutral.
ESG Risks:
– Environmental risk: The improper management and disposal of batteries and electronic waste can lead to environmental pollution and resource depletion.
– Supply chain risk: The reliance on rare earth elements and cobalt, which can have unethical mining practices and human rights issues associated with their extraction.
– Reputation risk: Failure to meet sustainability goals and commitments may damage Apple’s reputation as an environmentally responsible company.
Vulnerable Groups:
– Communities near mining sites: People living near mining sites where cobalt and rare earth elements are extracted may be affected by environmental pollution and health hazards.
– Workers in the electronics industry: Employees involved in the production of Apple devices may face health and safety risks if proper measures are not taken to address the environmental and occupational hazards associated with the materials used.
Organizations:
– Apple: The company announced its commitment to using 100% recycled cobalt and rare earth elements in its batteries, devices, and magnets. Apple also highlighted the use of recycled materials in its circuit boards, solder tin, and gold-plated components.
Sectors:
– Technology and electronics: Apple’s efforts to increase the use of recycled materials and reduce environmental impact are relevant to the technology and electronics sector.
Keywords:
– Apple, technology company
– Recycled cobalt, rare earth elements, metals
– Batteries, devices, magnets, circuit boards
– Environmental sustainability, renewable materials
– Carbon neutral, sustainability goals, commitments
– Supply chain, mining
– Reputation risk, vulnerable groups, affected sectors