Apple Case

SUSTAINABILITY

Apple has adopted several steps to become a greener and sustainable company. Apple admits that the majority of its emissions come from its products as it constantly develops and launches new products. Therefore, the environmental impact of its products is a serious issue. Hence, to deal with the situation Apple Inc has taken the following steps:

Apple has increasingly encouraged its consumers to buy a new device instead of updating the old one as Apple adopts the 'cradle-to-grave' way of consumption whereby there is no innovative considerations on creating a reusable product line or creating a green manufacturing chain.

The planned obsolescence or the designed disposability is being encouraged even if consumers critisised this practice.

Therefore as Apple is constantly releasing upgraded products, this may result in older technology being tossed aside.

Apple thereby, provides recycling programs to customers all over the world whereby participation is encouraged by sending out incentives such as gift card or discount when purchasing a new product; consumers that trade in their old iPods can receive a ten percent discount on a newer version.

In addition, by removing toxics from its products, Apple Inc has shown that innovation can drive real progress incorporating renewable energy in its data center plans.

According to Steve Jobs, Apple has eliminated cathode-ray tubes from its products. Its iPods are constructed with light-emitting diodes rather than fluorescent lamps, which do not contain mercury. The company has also eliminated the use of two toxic chemicals, polyvinyl chloride and brominated flame retardants, from its products.