As Earth Day approaches on April 22, Apple has revealed several key steps it has taken toward reaching its 2030 environmental goals. The company is working to become fully carbon-neutral across all parts of its business — from offices to manufacturing.
If you’ve been watching how companies are helping the planet, Apple’s latest update is big. Since 2015, the tech giant has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60%. This massive drop comes from two main efforts: helping its suppliers switch to clean energy and using more recycled materials in its products. Together, these actions helped avoid 41 million metric tons of harmful emissions.
Suppliers switching to clean energy
In 2024 alone, Apple’s suppliers prevented 21.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. They did this by becoming more energy efficient and using renewable energy sources. This is part of Apple’s long-term plan to clean up its supply chain. The company is also putting pressure on the factories that make its chips. So far, 26 of Apple’s direct suppliers have promised to cut down at least 90% of fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. These gases are some of the worst for the environment, so reducing them is a big win.
Recycling more materials than ever
You might be surprised by how much your iPhone or iPad is made from recycled materials. Apple says it uses 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets inside its devices. That means all the little pieces that make your tech work are now more planet-friendly. The company also uses 100% recycled cobalt in every battery it designs. These achievements mean Apple has hit 99% of its 2025 recycling targets a year early.
By choosing recycled parts, Apple is reducing mining and making the recycling process easier. This also aligns with the company’s promise that future products will be made using only recycled materials and will leave no waste behind.
Saving water and protecting resources
Since launching its Supplier Clean Water Program in 2013, Apple has saved more than 90 billion gallons of fresh water. In 2024, the suppliers participating in the programme reused an average of 42% of their water, helping save 14 billion gallons in that year alone. This matters because water shortages are becoming a real problem in many parts of the world, and big companies like Apple play a major role in managing resources wisely.
Apple is not just talking about going green — it’s showing steady action. From clean energy and recycling to saving water, the company continues to move closer to its 2030 goal of being carbon neutral in every area. If you’re curious about Apple’s other environmental projects, there are more exciting updates to explore:
- Apple is investing US$200 million into a “Restore Fund” that removes carbon dioxide from the air.
- The company bought its first batch of carbon-free aluminium from a new production process developed by Alcoa and Rio Tinto.
- Apple’s disassembly robot, Daisy, can now take apart up to 200 iPhones an hour for recycling.
- Apple’s global operations are now powered by 100% clean energy.
- Apple’s paper packaging will soon be entirely sustainable.
Apple clearly prioritises the environment by working across its products, suppliers, and packaging.
