Apple has prioritized environmental sustainability in its new iPhone 15 models. The new phones use recycled materials like a recycled aluminum substructure and recycled cobalt battery, while reducing carbon emissions with sustainable production techniques.
They also move away from leather and other products with a higher environmental footprint, while accelerating progress toward plastic-free packaging. In addition, they offer eco-friendly accessories like the FineWoven case and Wallet with MagSafe.
Recycled Aluminum Enclosure
Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals on earth and can be recycled over and over again without losing its strength or durability. It’s also one of the easiest materials to separate from other metals, which is why you should always separate your recycling before dropping it off at the trash bin.
The dien thoai iphone 15 models feature an enclosure made of 100% recycled aluminum. This is a significant improvement from previous iPhone Pro models that featured stainless steel enclosures.
Using solid state diffusion and a furnace, Apple separated aluminum from titanium on the inside of the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s buttons and antenna lines. This destructive analysis is important to demonstrate how the two metals can be extracted separately from each other, demonstrating that titanium isn’t just a flimsy material.
Ceramic Shield Carbon Emissions Reduction
Apple’s retail shops and data centres use 100% renewable energy, meanwhile its iPhones are built with a focus on sustainability. The company also supports conservation efforts like restoring mangroves and planting grasslands. In addition, it has reduced the amount of plastic used in packaging and is reducing carbon emissions through its shipping methods.
Apple has been rumored to replace leather cases on the iPhone 15 with an environmentally friendly alternative that mimics the look and feel of traditional leather without using any animal products. Additionally, the case’s carbon footprint is significantly smaller than leather. However, while a good start, it’s important to note that Apple must do more to address issues like forced obsolescence from software, reliance on toxic metals, contracts with recycling partners to destroy potentially salvageable components, and more.
Reduced Plastic Usage
For iPhone 15 Pro, Apple has reduced the amount of plastic used in its design. The company cites this as one of its biggest steps towards its goal of zero plastic use.
Apple also focuses on improving recycling innovations to reduce its impact on the planet. Last year, the company diverted 12.2 million devices and accessories back to its recycling program. This helps reduce the need for future mining.
During manufacturing, the iPhone 15 produces more than 8kg fewer greenhouse gases compared to its predecessor. This was achieved through making it more energy-efficient and by reducing its material use. However, more change would be welcome and the best way to do this is by lowering consumption and ensuring devices are kept for as long as possible before upgrading.
Eco Friendly Packaging
With its new iPhone 15 line-up, Apple is making great strides in eco friendly packaging. The company uses 99% fiber-based packaging and ships to customers using low carbon shipping methods. They also prioritize responsible sourcing and stringent standards for primary materials.
As an added bonus, the iPhone’s eco friendly accessories also feature recycled materials. For example, the new FineWoven case and Wallet with MagSafe use an alternative to leather that has significantly lower carbon emissions than traditional leather.
Apple is working hard to reduce carbon emissions in its supply chain, with a goal of being completely carbon neutral by 2030. The company publishes timely product environmental reports and is committed to responsible sourcing. They also encourage customers to recycle their old devices with their trade-in program and repair services.
Renewable Energy
The iPhone 15 uses 100 percent recycled cobalt in its battery and 75% recycled aluminum for the frame. Apple also updated the camera to a 48-megapixel unit that delivers more detail and better low light performance.
During its big fall event, Apple emphasized its green bona fides by touting its sustainable manufacturing initiatives and advancing progress toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. The new FineWoven material reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to leather, and the iPhone 15 Pro lineup features a MagSafe case made from 68 percent post-consumer recycled materials.
The company’s Clean Energy Charging feature intelligently prioritizes charging your device when lower carbon-emission electricity is available. Additionally, it offsets emissions with high-quality carbon credits purchased from nature-based projects. This is a major accomplishment for a company that’s been known to release new products every year with little room for upgrade or repair.