Apple has steadily emerged as a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, not only through operational carbon neutrality but by revolutionizing raw material sourcing. Traditional aluminum production emits approximately 2% of all global greenhouse gases, making material innovation essential for climate goals.
In partnership with ELYSIS — a joint venture of Alcoa and Rio Tinto — Apple developed a breakthrough carbon-free smelting process. Instead of carbon dioxide, this process releases pure oxygen.
Key achievements:
- In 2022, the iPhone SE incorporated the first batch of commercial carbon-free aluminum.
- MacBook Air M2 and Apple Watch Series 8 followed, using ELYSIS aluminum extensively.
- Apple targets full carbon-neutrality across all products by 2030, with materials like aluminum playing a crucial role.
Strategic insight:
While competitors like Dell and Samsung focus primarily on energy procurement, Apple’s material innovation offers a supply chain-wide carbon impact, influencing upstream suppliers globally.
Sources:
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/03/apple-uses-first-low-carbon-aluminum-in-iphone-se/
https://www.apple.com/environment/
https://www.elysis.com/en
