How Procurement Helped Apple Achieve 60% Emissions Reduction
Apple has reported a 60% drop in greenhouse gas emissions from its 2015 baseline, marking substantial progress in its aim to become carbon neutral across operations by 2030.
In its Environmental Progress Report, the company details the critical role that procurement and supply chain management play in this achievement, especially concerning Scope 3 emissions.
Supply chain strategy
Apple's approach involves a strategic focus on decarbonising its operations while transforming its supply chain dynamics. Significant reductions have been achieved in collaboration with suppliers, demonstrating the critical importance of sustainable procurement strategies.
"We're incredibly proud of the progress we're making toward Apple 2030, which touches every part of our business," notes Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives.
She adds: "As we get closer to 2030, the work gets even harder - and we're meeting the challenge with innovation, collaboration and urgency."
Supplier collaboration
Apple’s most impactful strides have been made through collaborations with suppliers that use renewable electricity, resulting in the avoidance of 21.8 million tonnes of emissions in 2024 alone. This marks a 17% increase on the previous year and reflects the reliance on renewable energy within its global supply chain, now boasting 17.8 gigawatts of renewable electricity.
In addition to energy initiatives, improving energy efficiency among suppliers has avoided nearly two million tonnes of emissions. This level of achievement showcases the potent synergy between procurement practices and energy management.
Particularly impactful is the commitment from semiconductor suppliers, which are paramount in Apple's supply chain, to cut fluorinated greenhouse gases by 90% by 2030. All direct display suppliers have made similar commitments, reducing emissions by 8.4 million tonnes in 2024.
Material sourcing advances
Apple is advancing towards its 2025 objective of utilising only recycled rare earth elements and cobalt in its devices.
Achieving these recycling targets necessitates profound changes in sourcing strategies. Rare earth elements, essential in small quantities, are used in components like vibration motors and speakers, while cobalt is crucial for batteries.
With Apple-designed batteries accounting for over 97% of its cobalt use, these shifts highlight a strong commitment to sustainable procurement.
Moreover, Apple's Zero Waste programme, effective since 2015, has diverted 3.6 million tonnes of waste from landfills. This initiative translates into substantial savings in landfill space, demonstrating waste reduction's role in overall procurement strategies.
Product innovation and water use
Apple's dedication to environmental responsibility is evident in its product designs as well.
The new MacBook Air, for instance, contains over 55% recycled materials, the highest in any Apple product. The launch of the first carbon-neutral Mac mini and the availability of carbon-neutral Apple Watch models indicate a revolutionary shift in product sourcing and design.
Where opportunities for growth remain is in water conservation. Apple's initiatives aim for 100% freshwater replenishment in high-stress regions by 2030, though it currently achieves coverage for only 40% of this target. Since 2013, the Supplier Clean Water Program has saved more than 90 billion gallons of freshwater, illustrating the potential of strategic water resource management.
As Apple advances toward its 2030 milestones, its focus on procurement strategies aligns with broader environmental goals, reinforcing the critical role that the supply chain plays in its sustainability journey.
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