Apple Beginning Independent Environmental Audits of Chinese Suppliers' Facilities

While Apple's partnership with the Fair Labor Association to conduct independent audits of working conditions at factories in Apple's supply chain has been gaining headlines in recent weeks, USA Today reports that Apple is also gearing up for independent environmental audits of several suppliers. The news comes as Apple yesterday released its annual environmental report, touting a number of new initiatives and improvements, including significant investments in alternative energy at its new North Carolina data center.

Ma Jun, founder of the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs, told USA TODAY in a phone interview Monday that Apple agreed to the independent reviews in late January in response to two reports that IPE and other environmental groups released last year documenting hazardous-waste leaks and the use of toxic chemicals at suspected Apple suppliers.

The reviews, which could begin in March, will start with two suppliers but might expand to others, said Ma, one of China's leading environmental activists.

Linda Greer, Washington-D.C.-based director of the National Resources Defense Council's health program, said Apple agreed to allow environmental groups to examine at least two of the 14 suppliers that Apple did environmental audits on last year. Apple has promised the groups access to the factories, she said. The reviews will focus on environmental issues, such as whether Apple suppliers are discharging toxic waste into the water supply and soil.

Apple is reportedly also working with the IPE's database of environmental violations in China, using the data to help monitor current supply chain partners and evaluate potential new ones.

apple environmental impact
Apple is said to be looking to add a similar level of transparency to its environmental auditing as it is deploying for audits of working conditions, seeking to make the results public and naming the audited suppliers once they have had an opportunity to address any deficiencies.

Popular Stories

Apple CarPlay Ultra instrument cluster themes 01

Apple's CarPlay Ultra Is Here – Does Your iPhone Support It?

Thursday May 15, 2025 5:17 am PDT by
Apple's recently announced CarPlay Ultra promises a deeply integrated in-car experience, but not all iPhone users will be able to take advantage of the new feature. According to Apple's press release, CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later. This means if you're using an iPhone 11, iPhone XR, or any older model, you'll need to upgrade your device to access...
Apple CarPlay Ultra instrument cluster themes 01

Apple's 'CarPlay Ultra' Experience Now Available

Thursday May 15, 2025 5:07 am PDT by
Apple today announced that its next-generation CarPlay experience, now dubbed "CarPlay Ultra" begins rolling out today, starting with Aston Martin vehicles. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. CarPlay Ultra is now available with new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada. It will also be available for existing models that feature the brand's next-generation ...
CarPlay Ultra Climate Controls

Apple Says These Vehicle Brands Plan to Offer All-New CarPlay Ultra

Thursday May 15, 2025 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today announced the launch of CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. CarPlay Ultra features deep integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster and systems, built-in Radio and Climate apps, customizable widgets, and more. The interface is tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's identity, and drivers can also adjust...
vision pro video recording

WSJ: Some Apple Vision Pro Buyers 'Feel Total Regret'

Friday May 16, 2025 7:43 am PDT by
Apple's Vision Pro headset has left many early adopters expressing dissatisfaction over its weight, limited use cases, and sparse software ecosystem, according to a new article from The Wall Street Journal. In the year following the device's launch, user feedback suggests that it has failed to meet expectations for comfort, software support, and social acceptance. In interviews conducted by T...
iPhone 17 Air Pastel Feature

iPhone 17 Air Could Debut Advanced Silicon Battery Tech

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00 am PDT by
The upcoming all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air could become the first Apple smartphone to adopt advanced battery technology, with Japanese supplier TDK preparing to ship its new generation of silicon-anode batteries by the end of June. According to DigiTimes, TDK CEO Noboru Saito revealed in a recent interview that the Apple supplier has accelerated its production timeline, moving shipments...
fortnite apple featured

Apple Says Fortnite for iOS Isn't Blocked Worldwide, Just the U.S.

Friday May 16, 2025 9:58 am PDT by
Apple today clarified that it has not blocked Epic Games from updating the iOS Fortnite app in the European Union, but it is not planning to allow Epic Games to offer Fortnite in the United States App Store at the current time. In a statement to Bloomberg, Apple said that Epic Games tied its U.S. App Store submission to the update that was also being submitted to the Epic Games Store for iOS ...

Top Rated Comments

basesloaded190 Avatar
173 months ago
Whether this is because Tim is now in charge, or Apple is getting larger by the minute, it is good to see them start doing things like this.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LondonCentral Avatar
173 months ago
Whether you think this is a cynical attempt at brand protection further down the line or you believe Apple are leading the way in employee and environmental welfare regulation, this move can ONLY be a good thing.

Let's hope everyone else follows suit.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Menopause Avatar
173 months ago
Anyone seen the Android trolls yet? What's the hold up, they should be here by now.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LondonCentral Avatar
173 months ago
Whether this is because Tim is now in charge, or Apple is getting larger by the minute, it is good to see them start doing things like this.

I think Tim realised a while back that investing in Apple employees from the bottom up can only strengthen them.

If done right, there is no downside to this.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacinDoc Avatar
173 months ago
Whether this is because Tim is now in charge
Yes.
or Apple is getting larger by the minute
Yes.
it is good to see them start doing things like this.
Yes.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shrink Avatar
173 months ago
Start counting when the first posts arrive that it's all rigged, not honest, jobs need to be in USA., Apple is just paying lip service, PR stunt etc.etc.

To me Apple demonstrated that they do what they say when they started looking into greener manufacturing, use of components that are easier to recycle and give you options to send in your old equipment.

They joined FLA, give access to FoxConn, get wage raises.

But......it will never be enough for the nay sayers!

I'm afraid Thunderhawks is only too correct.

While I am sure more could be done, more can always be done. It seems to me Apple deserves at least some praise for it's efforts...no matter what the motivation...good, bad, or indifferent.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)