When I first started looking at Apples environmental performance in 2005, Apple was nearly as secretive about its environmental performance as it is about the details of the latest iPhone. But now just 8 years later, Apple has led the industry with commitments to make its products and operations more sustainable, and has been progressively opening up vital information on its operations and supply chain. Apples Suppliers Responsibility report released today is another big step away from its previous secrecy regarding its environmental performance, and another sign that Apple recognises that its tremendous profits are directly tied to protecting human rights and a healthy planet.
Apples progress stems back at least to 2006, when hundreds of thousands of Apple fans told Steve Jobs I love my Mac, I just wish it came in Green (Yes, this was the pre-iPhone era) as part of Greenpeaces Green My Apple campaign. In 2007, Jobs made a rare promise, committing that Apple products would be free of the worst hazardous substances by 2009. Apple made good on that promise, becoming the first electronics company to phase out hazardous PVC plastic and brominated flame retardants in new products, outperforming many other computer companies.
Since then, the phenomenal success of the iPhone and Apples growth both in size and in the services it offers has vaulted the company to the top of the tech sector, with a sprawling supply chain that spans the globe. Apple and its peers can no longer afford to ignore supply chain issues involving worker safety, environmental pollution, and human rights issues such as conflict minerals, but many electronic manufacturers still only provide cursory details about its suppliers. From our experience, a lack of transparency is a pretty good indicator that a company doesnt have a particularly good story to tell. Just as telling, big commitments to protect human rights and the environment without adequate transparency tend to be signs of a company that is not taking its commitments seriously.
Since Tim Cook took the helm, Apples increased transparency and accountability back down the supply chain has significantly improved, and is quickly becoming a hallmark of his leadership at the company.
Todays report, highlighting Apples ability to pressure its suppliers to use only smelters that can demonstrate they are free from conflict minerals, shows a growing recognition within Apple of how it can flex its considerable influence on its suppliers to deliver significant change. Along with HPs goals for reducing the energy consumption of its supply chain and Intels removal of conflict minerals from its large supply chain, Apples part of a growing group of companies starting to address the crucial impact of making millions of devices around the world everyday. It will take truly sustainable supply chains that respect both the environment and workers, combined with new business models that dont depend on ever-increasing consumption, if companies want to lead us toward a sustainable economy.
Apple deserves credit for being at the forefront of a small group of companies setting the pace that competitors like Samsung must match, so the whole electronics industry can be part of a digital economy thats better for people and the planet.
