Apple’s pledge to use more recycled cobalt in its devices is a component of the company’s broader sustainability initiatives. Cobalt is an essential component of lithium-ion batteries, which provide power to a vast array of devices, from smartphones to electric vehicles. However, cobalt mining is notoriously associated with violations of human rights, such as child labor, and environmental destruction. In order to reduce the environmental and social impact of technology production, increasing the use of recycled cobalt is a crucial step.

Apple’s sustainability efforts have made significant progress over the past several years. The company announced in 2020 its intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, indicating that its operations will produce no net greenhouse gas emissions. Apple must transition to renewable energy sources, increase energy efficiency, and reduce the carbon footprint of its products and supply chain in order to meet this ambitious goal.

Apple Targets E-waste with 100% Recycled Cobalt in Device Batteries

Apple’s commitment to using recycled materials in its products extends beyond cobalt. To reduce its reliance on virgin materials, the company has been exploring methods to incorporate recycled aluminum, copper, and other materials into its products. For instance, the enclosures of Apple’s most recent MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are made from recycled aluminum, resulting in a 47% reduction in the devices’ carbon footprint.

It is important to note, however, that recycling alone is not a panacea for reducing the environmental impact of electronics. Recycling can reduce the demand for virgin materials, but collecting, sorting, and processing e-waste requires energy and resources. In addition, many products are not designed to be easily repaired or upgraded, making it difficult for consumers to prolong the life of their devices.

Apple’s pledge to use more recycled cobalt in its devices is a major step toward more sustainable and accountable technology production. Apple can reduce the environmental and social impact of its products and pave the way for a more sustainable future by reducing its reliance on virgin materials.