Tuesday 15 September 2020

Apple ‘dodges MP’s questions’ about its true sustainability credentials

Apple continues to dodge MPs’ questions surrounding its electronic products' sustainability and repairability credentials.

That's according to the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), which says it invited the multinational technology giant to participate in its Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy inquiry on 16th July - after promising to attend, Apple cancelled at short notice.

This was followed by EAC Chainman Philip Dunne writing to Apple CEO Tim Cook on 4th August about the social and environmental footprint of the electronics industry - he says he has still not received a "substantive reply".

The EAC wants to question Apple on what it is doing to enhance the operating life of its products, promote repair, reuse and recycling and otherwise enable an open and fair circular economy for its products to exist.

Mr Dunne, said: “Apple has made more than two billion iPhones – a phone for every person in the whole of Africa and Europe. Today, as Apple unveils its next generation of gadgets, my Committee continues to wait for answers on what the company is doing to tackle its environmental footprint.

“With the speed at which new devices are brought to market, tech companies drive consumers to buy new products rather than prolonging the life of their existing items. It can also be very difficult to repair electronic devices, with many companies making it almost impossible – or if possible, very expensive – for consumers to have the ability to fix themselves. As a result, we’re seeing a throwaway society for electronics, and tech companies must take responsibility for the environmental impact that this causes. A circular economy with repair and recycling at its heart is crucial if we are to tackle the climate emergency.

“Apple appears to have a positive story to tell regarding its efforts on climate change. But its unwillingness to answer my Committee’s questions has led us to believe its environmental obligations is not taken seriously enough.”

Electronic waste is currently the fastest growing waste stream in the world, increasing by 21% in the five years to 2019.

FNZ has contacted Apple for a response.