Apple increases recycled materials across products

Apple reports that 30 percent of materials used in its products shipped in 2025 came from recycled sources, marking a milestone in its environmental strategy as it works toward carbon neutrality by 2030.

The company outlined the progress in its latest Environmental Progress Report, highlighting advancements in materials, packaging and renewable energy across its global operations.

Advancing recycled material use

Apple stated that all batteries it designs now use 100 percent recycled cobalt, while all magnets contain 100 percent recycled rare earth elements. It also reported that its printed circuit boards use fully recycled gold plating and tin soldering.

The company attributes these developments to collaboration across its supply chain, alongside ongoing efforts to maintain environmental and human rights standards in sourcing.

Tim Cook, chief executive officer at Apple: "At Apple, we believe deeply in leaving the world better than we found it, and that commitment runs across everything we do. These milestones in our work to protect the planet show that ambitious goals can also be powerful engines of innovation. And as always, we’ll keep pushing to build on this progress even more."

Eliminating plastic from packaging

Apple confirmed it has transitioned to fibre-based packaging across its product range, completing its goal to remove plastic from packaging by 2025. The company reports it has avoided more than 15,000 metric tons of plastic over the past five years by replacing components with paper-based alternatives and improving recyclability.

This includes redesigning packaging formats to fit standard home recycling systems, supporting broader consumer participation in recycling efforts.

Investing in recycling technology

As part of its materials strategy, Apple has developed new recycling systems to recover more components from end-of-life devices. This includes Cora, an electronics recycling line based in California, and A.R.I.S., a machine learning-powered detection system designed to improve sorting efficiency.

These initiatives aim to increase recovery rates and support the wider adoption of recycled materials in future products.

Sabih Khan, chief operating officer at Apple: "Across every part of our business, we’re showing how innovation and collaboration can turn big ideas and bold ambitions into measurable progress. From expanding recycled material to removing plastic from our packaging, we’re setting new benchmarks that inspire us to reach further and work even harder for the good of people and planet."

Scaling renewable energy and water stewardship

Apple reported that its suppliers generated more than 38 million megawatt-hours of renewable electricity, supported by over 20 gigawatts of clean energy procurement. The company also continues to power its own operations, including offices and data centres, with renewable electricity.

In water conservation, Apple and its suppliers saved 17 billion gallons of fresh water in 2025. The company is working toward replenishing all water used across its facilities by 2030 through long-term partnerships and conservation projects.

Reducing waste and supporting circularity

Apple stated that it achieved a 75 percent waste diversion rate across its global operations, with several facilities reaching zero-waste certifications. Across its supply chain, more than 600,000 metric tons of waste were redirected from landfill in 2025.

The company also continues to promote device recycling, including incentives for customers who return eligible products through its retail network.

www.apple.com

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