Apple has announced a 60% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2015 levels, bringing the company closer to its 2030 target of becoming carbon neutral across its entire business. This progress was outlined in its latest Environmental Progress Report, released ahead of Earth Day.
The reduction in emissions is largely attributed to increased use of recycled materials and clean energy. The company reported using 99% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets and the same percentage of recycled cobalt in batteries designed in-house. These materials are among the most carbon-intensive in tech manufacturing, and their replacement with recycled counterparts contributes significantly to lowering the company’s overall footprint.
Apple aims to cut 75% of its emissions compared to 2015 before addressing the remaining portion with carbon credits. In 2024 alone, Apple says its actions—like transitioning suppliers to renewable electricity and redesigning products with a lower carbon impact—helped avoid 41 million metric tons of emissions.
A significant part of this effort comes from the company’s supply chain. Apple reports that its global suppliers have deployed 17.8 gigawatts of renewable electricity, avoiding 21.8 million metric tons of emissions last year. Additionally, efforts to reduce emissions from semiconductor and display production—known for releasing fluorinated gases—have led to major suppliers committing to cut 90% of these emissions from Apple-related production by 2030.
On the materials front, the company continues its shift toward recycled and renewable inputs without sacrificing performance. Apple-designed batteries now include nearly all the cobalt used across its product line, and magnets, which rely heavily on rare earth elements, are almost entirely recycled. Waste reduction efforts have also ramped up, with suppliers diverting 600,000 metric tons of waste from landfills last year—bringing the total to 3.6 million metric tons since 2015.
Water conservation has also been a focus, with Apple and its partners saving over 90 billion gallons of fresh water since the start of its Supplier Clean Water Program. In 2024, that number reached 14 billion gallons. Looking forward, the company aims to replenish all freshwater used in high-stress areas by 2030 and has begun initiatives covering over 40% of that goal.
Sustainability efforts have been reflected in recent products. The new MacBook Air features over 55% recycled content, while the latest Apple Watch models offer carbon neutral options. The company also continues experimenting with recyclable packaging and manufacturing processes to further reduce emissions linked to product creation and delivery.
To mark Earth Day, Apple is encouraging customers to recycle their old devices through trade-in programs and is highlighting sustainability-themed content across its services, including Apple Fitness+ and Apple TV+. Activities include limited-time awards for Apple Watch users, curated workouts through national parks, and new environmental storytelling in its streaming content.
As the 2030 deadline approaches, Apple’s environmental strategy continues to evolve, aiming for measurable changes in emissions, materials use, and resource conservation—while encouraging broader industry shifts through supplier commitments and transparency.
