In a significant move towards sustainability, Apple has announced that three of its highly anticipated Apple Watch models, including Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, will be available in carbon-neutral versions. These environmentally-conscious versions will be distinguished by a new green logo on their boxes. Apple’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 is showcased through these eco-friendly innovations.
One of the major challenges in this endeavor lies in reducing emissions from Apple’s speedy transportation network, which heavily relies on planes. As a pioneer in utilizing planes to transport consumer electronics worldwide, Apple has now made significant changes to its transportation methods. For the three new watches, half of the shipments by weight, from factory to regional distribution hubs, will be conducted via boats, trains, or other fuel-efficient alternatives. These methods not only burn less fuel but also generate fewer carbon emissions, contributing to the fight against global warming.
Lisa Jackson, the head of Apple’s environmental and governance efforts, confirmed that the carbon emissions of the green-tagged Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 would be lower than previous products. To compensate for any remaining emissions, Apple will purchase carbon offsets. She emphasized that Apple’s goal is to use existing technology to its fullest extent before resorting to offsets alone.
Apple has already made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions. The Series 9 aluminum watch with a sport loop band, specifically designed to be more climate-friendly, will have only 8.1kg of emissions remaining after implementing Apple’s changes. The standard stainless steel version of the Series 9 with the same band, on the other hand, will produce 29kg of emissions. Apple will offset the residual emissions of the climate-friendly watch by purchasing carbon credits.
Apple’s commitment to carbon neutrality extends beyond transportation and production. All new watches, including standard editions, are manufactured using custom alloys of aluminum and titanium derived from recycled materials. The batteries of these watches also contain only recycled cobalt. By incorporating recycled materials and sustainable practices, Apple aims to make their products more environmentally friendly.
John Ternus, Apple’s hardware engineering chief, expressed the company’s dedication to expanding these eco-friendly initiatives to various Apple products in the future. As Apple engages with suppliers to establish recycled material supply chains, they are often at the forefront of such sustainability discussions.
Despite these significant changes, the green-tagged versions of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 will be offered at the same price as the standard editions. Although Apple executives did not address their profitability explicitly, Jackson emphasized that Apple is focused on making changes that can be emulated by other businesses, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
In conclusion, Apple’s introduction of carbon-neutral versions of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 exemplifies their dedication to combating climate change. Through innovative transportation methods, carbon offsets, and the use of recycled materials, Apple is setting an example for other companies to follow. The green future of technology is brighter with initiatives like these, and Apple continues to lead the way towards a more sustainable world.
