Apple: Dropping iPhone chargers may save 861,000 tons of metal

As a result of dropping chargers from the latest iPhone model, Apple says it expects to save 861,000 metric tons of copper, zinc, and tin.

File photo: iPhone 12 Pro Max

Apple is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030

There have been mixed reactions when Apple announced that the iPhone 12 series will not be equipped with wall chargers. However, the Cupertino giant claims that this decision largely benefits the environment as well as their shipping process.

According to its 2021 Environmental Progress Report, selling adapters separately had saved them 861,000 tons of metal. Hence, they were able to reduce CO2 emissions from 25.1 million tons in 2019 to 22.6 million. It also added that they were able to cut energy use by 13.9 million kWh. Moreover, it claims that shipping pallets can carry up to 70 percent more iPhone boxes. Apple's VP of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson explained further,

In 2020, that meant real progress in our fight against climate change. Apple became carbon neutral for our worldwide operations, and we committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 for our entire footprint—from our supply chain to the use of the products we make. Those same products now use more recycled materials than ever, like the 40 percent recycled content in the MacBook Air with Retina display, and the 99 percent recycled tungsten we now use in iPhone 12 and Apple Watch Series 6.

The company is also doing its part by recovering materials from recycled iPhones such as steel and tungsten. Allegedly, about one metric ton of these components are collected from the devices and about 150 metric tons of ore like gold and copper. All in all, they saved 39,000 metric tons of electrical waste.

Apple's latest M1 chip is not only designed for power efficiency since Apple said that it enables the Mac to lessen the carbon footprint of Mac Mini by 34 percent. On the other hand, the 8th generation iPad reportedly requires 66 percent less energy than the Energy Star rating requirement.

Aside from these efforts, more than 110 suppliers have pledged their commitment with Apple to use clean energy. As of December, over 90 percent had installed tech to reduce F-GHG emissions linked with display panel assembly by over 90 percent.

So far these are the highlights of Apple's initiatives to help preserve the environment in its Environmental Progress Report.

However, those who need Apple chargers will still have to buy chargers with plastic and metals on a separate packaging consisting of plastic and papers that will be transported separately on vehicles consuming gas or electricity.

See also: Here's why ditching in-box chargers won't save the planet

What are your thoughts on this?

Source: Engadget