Apple has confirmed the environmental nature of its final assembly plants in China. As mentioned in its press release, all of its 14 sites are now zero-waste compliant, and have been developed to produce waste that can be recycled, or reused. According to China’s UL standards, manufacturing waste can also be used to generate energy.
Apple VP of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiative, Lisa Jackson, hoped the move would help work in favor of China’s “green manufacturing goals.” The tech giant’s suppliers in China will now be working along systematic guidelines to ensure the country is hosting “clean power projects.”
One of its suppliers, Lens Technology, confirmed its plans to only use renewable energy for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) operations. As a result, all its glass production will use 100% renewable energy. Ms. Jackson applauded Lens for its determined efforts to positively contribute to the environment, while also finding solutions to enhance productivity. The glass manufacturer will attempt to put these practices into effect by the final deadline of 2018.
Lens CEO, Zhou Qunfei, stated: “We’re pleased to be the first supplier to commit to covering all of our Apple production with renewable energy, and proud to source from local Hunan wind farms to power our facilities in Changsha.” The glass manufacturer is optimistic that other Chinese companies will follow suit and opt for “economical sources for power.”
As pointed out by 9to5Mac, the glass and metal is melted for reuse, cardboard and paper are sent to mills, while recycled plastic is forwarded for packaging purposes. The iPhone maker began this program in 2015 and is leading the race to improve China’s environmental landscape.
The tech giant's continued environmental-friendly efforts are expected to help it gain some brownie points in competitive Chinese markets. Last year, it unveiled programs that were aimed toward making Chinese suppliers “carbon neutral.”
Apple is involved in extensive efforts to gradually spread a clean energy campaign around the world. It uses 100% renewable energy at its facilities in the US and China, and almost 93% of its global operations are fueled via eco-friendly power. It wouldn’t be long before other tech giants feel pressured by their consumers and regulatory bodies to follow in Apple’s footsteps.
