Apple is using the first industrially-produced carbon-free aluminium to build the iPhone SE as it seeks to reduce the environmental impact of its products.

Figure 1: low carbon aluminium in iPhone SE.

Figure 1 show that the company has made the first order of the aluminium, which is produced by a new smelting process called ‘ELYSIS’ that produces oxygen rather than greenhouse gases.

ELYSIS was created using funds from Apple’s $4.7 billion Green Bond investments into low-carbon and recycling technologies that can reduce its emissions.

Every new device manufactured generates carbon emissions across the supply chain and requires the mining of precious metals.

The carbon-free aluminium has already been used in the production of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but had not been publicised until now. [1]

Apple claims these 50 projects will offset 2,883,000 metric tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) and install close to 700 megawatts of renewable energy capacity around the world.

Apple has committed to reducing carbon emissions in its operations as well as that of its manufacturing supply chain. The company aims to become 100% carbon neutral across its supply chain and products by 2030.

As part of the initiative, all new iPhones, Mac, iPads, and Apple Watch devices are made with recycled material. Apple has also stopped bundling chargers with the new iPhones to reduce its carbon footprint.[2]

“Apple is committed to leaving the planet better than we found it, and our Green Bonds are a key tool to drive our environmental efforts forward,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives.

The company will also develop other low carbon product designs, introduce recycling initiatives, and lower its own electricity needs.[3]

References:

1. https://www.techradar.com/in/news/apple-uses-worlds-first-carbon-free-aluminium-in-iphone-se
2. https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/apple-invests-4-7-billion-in-low-carbon-manufacturing-uses-carbon-free-aluminum-in-iphone-se-11648131140540.html
3. https://www.techradar.com/in/news/apple-uses-worlds-first-carbon-free-aluminium-in-iphone-se

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), First Carbon Free Aluminium in iPhone SE, AnaTechMax. pp.40