The impact of consumer electronics on the environment is a growing concern for individuals and corporations alike. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, companies have a responsibility to reduce the environmental footprint of their products. One of the ways in which corporations can achieve this is by making their systems easier to repair, encouraging device recycling, and updating manufacturing and supply chain processes. Utilizing recycled materials in the devices themselves is also crucial in reducing the environmental impact of consumer electronics.
Google and Samsung are among the companies that have already made significant efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their products. Samsung, for example, has used recycled fishing nets in the manufacturing of some of its products. Apple, another major player in the consumer electronics industry, has also taken steps to reduce its environmental impact. Last year, the company announced that it was doubling its use of recycled materials in its products and aiming to eliminate plastics in packaging by 2025.
In a recent announcement, Apple stated that it aims to move to 100% recycled cobalt in its batteries by 2025. Cobalt is a critical component in the batteries used in devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and MacBooks. The mining of cobalt is often associated with poor mining practices and adverse impacts on workers. By using recycled cobalt, Apple can reduce the demand for newly mined cobalt, thereby minimizing its impact on the environment and on communities where cobalt is mined.
Apple has significantly expanded its use of certified recycled cobalt over the past three years, with a quarter of all cobalt found in Apple products in 2022 coming from recycled material, up from 13% the previous year. This move is part of Apple's broader initiative to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Apple is also recycling cobalt from end-of-life devices using its Daisy robotic arm, which separates materials from iPhones.
In addition to its environmental efforts, Apple is also pushing innovation in the industry. The company has been shipping an overhead projector-based augmented reality system to partners to guide human workers through the disassembly process. This innovation can help make the disassembly process more efficient and effective, further reducing the environmental impact of consumer electronics.
Overall, corporations have a responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of their products. By using recycled materials, implementing efficient manufacturing processes, and promoting device recycling, companies can reduce their environmental footprint and promote a more sustainable future. Apple's commitment to using 100% recycled cobalt in its batteries by 2025 is a step in the right direction and shows that even large corporations can make a positive impact on the environment.
