Apple's Environmental Milestone: Over 60% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Emre Uydu
May 9
2 min read

In April 2025, Apple announced a game-changing milestone in its sustainability journey: a 61.3% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions since its 2015 baseline. For a tech giant that manufactures hundreds of millions of devices annually, this isn’t just a stat—it’s a seismic shift in how tech can intersect with climate responsibility.

🍃 The Path to 60%: A Decade in the Making

Since its 2015 pledge to shrink its carbon footprint, Apple has taken a meticulous, systemic approach:

Renewable Energy Transition: Apple’s global corporate operations have been 100% powered by renewable electricity since 2020. Now, 320+ of its suppliers are also running on clean energy.
Material Innovation: Apple’s Taptic Engine now uses 100% recycled rare earth elements. The aluminum in MacBook enclosures? Fully recycled.
Product Lifecycle Overhaul: From design to disassembly, Apple has restructured its entire product pipeline with circular economy principles in mind.

Supply Chain = The Real Game

Here’s the kicker: Over 70% of Apple’s total carbon footprint comes from its supply chain. So, they did what few others in the industry dared—they applied pressure.

Supplier Clean Energy Program: Now active in 28 countries, this initiative pushes manufacturing partners to decarbonize.
Carbon-Free Aluminum Smelting: Apple invested in ELYSIS, a joint venture creating the world’s first commercial-scale carbon-free aluminum production.

And it’s working—Scope 3 emissions (from suppliers and product use) have dropped significantly, setting a new bar for accountability in tech.

♻️ What About Devices?

Apple's commitment to building a closed-loop supply chain is now visible in the devices:

Apple Watch Series 10: Apple’s first carbon-neutral product line.
iPhone 16: Built with over 50% recycled content, including cobalt in the battery and copper in mainboards.
Packaging: 99% fiber-based, eliminating plastic completely.

📈 Carbon Accounting: Transparent & Auditable

Apple’s 2025 Environmental Progress Report includes third-party-verified data, showcasing:

A 77% reduction in manufacturing emissions per product.
A consistent decline in emissions year-over-year, even as device sales continue to grow.
Investments in nature-based carbon removal, like mangrove restoration and regenerative agriculture, to offset remaining emissions.

Why This Matters (and Why Others Should Sweat)

Apple’s progress isn't just about image—it's creating economic and political pressure. Governments are taking note, competitors are playing catch-up, and customers are demanding similar accountability from all consumer brands.

More importantly, Apple is proving that profit and planet can coexist. They're doing it not through greenwashing or PR spins, but through R&D, material science, and supply chain pressure.