Apple says iPhones are made with 20% recycled materials

Apple continues to prioritize the use of recycled materials in its products, as they accounted for nearly 20% of all materials used in its products in 2021. According to Apple's 2022 Environmental Progress Report, released days before Earth Day on April 22, nearly 20% of all materials used in its products in 2021 were a result of recycling, representing the highest percentage of never before achieved recycled content. This includes 59% of all aluminum used, although some products feature a 100% recycled aluminum enclosure. Apple released new details on this progress, its recycling innovation efforts, and clean energy in its 2022 Environmental Progress Report.

Apple also announces that 45% of rare earth elements and 30% of tin are recycle. Finally, around 13% of certified recycled cobalt is in use in iPhone batteries, which can be dismantled by Daisy, Apple's recycling robot, and then put back on the market.

On Earth Day, April 22, Apple customers can learn about the exciting environmental innovations behind iPhone 13 — including the Daisy recycling robot — with a new immersive augmented reality experience on Snapchat. And Apple Store locations worldwide are inviting customers to learn more about the company’s environmental commitments with special window decals.

Apple says iPhones are made with 20% recycled materials

The technology company also announces that it has eliminated almost all plastic in its packaging. This material accounted for just 4% of packaging in 2021; and the new iPhone 13s of 2021 were the company's first devices to contain no plastic packaging material. Apple hopes to eliminate all use of plastic in its packaging by 2025.

The iPhone 13 are therefore one of the most ecological products of the manufacturer at the moment. For the first time for an Apple device, gold recycling was in use for example for the veneer of the logic board of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro; as well as for a cable of the front camera and rear cameras of the device. According to Apple, this "significant milestone" is the result of pioneering work in traceability; to establish a gold supply chain made up exclusively of recycled materials.

Apple notes that its net emissions remained stable in 2021, a year in which its revenue increased by 33%. Its global operations have been carbon neutral since 2020; and it has been using 100% renewable energy to power its offices, stores and data centers since 2018 of ecology; by removing the charger and headphones from its iPhones in 2020. In addition to better protecting the environment against electronic waste; this strategy has above all saved the company nearly $6 billion.