- Sustainable Queen
IPHONE 13, CAN TECHIES BE SUSTAINABLE?
What if we told you that you could have both a high-tech and sustainable mobile phone? And you know what? Not just any phone! An iPhone; a sustainable iPhone, the iPhone 13. Yes, you heard me right and, this is no joke!
Like every year, a massive announcement has been made regarding the release of the long-awaited iPhone with new outstanding features. Yet, besides the exciting new functionalities and the focus on user’s privacy, the major highlight of the iPhone 13 is that it is SUSTAINABLE!
Let’s find out how Apple is innovating and making an impact with a sustainable iPhone this year.
What is the iPhone 13 made of?
Whenever we talk about a sustainable product, we must first look at what it is made of.
• Almost all the new iPhone models are made from recyclable material such as recycled tungsten.
• The antennas on the iPhone 13 have been created from old plastic water bottles.
• The new iPhone is compatible with the 5G networks. Linked with IoT, 5G network preserves the environment by increasing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enabling greater use of renewable energy.
• The placing of the main logic is made from 100 % certified recycled gold. (a real firstHmer for Apple)
• All magnets contain 100% recycled rare earth elements, which represents 98% of the total rare earth elements contained in the device.
• 100% recycled Hn has been used in the solder of the main logic board and theater management unit, which is a new feature.
What about its use of plastic?
The Apple team is proud to have switched from fossil fuel-based plastics to renewable or recycled sources. For the iPhone 13, 12 components use 35 percent or more recycled plastic. As previously mentioned, the antenna lines also use recycled plastic from bottles. These have been transformed into a more durable and efficient material through smarter, toxic-free chemistry.
You’ll be surprised to find that the usual plastic outer packaging has been replaced with a seal. Best of all, as part of this “plastic reduction” inhale, 95% of the packaging is fiber and, 100% of the virgin wood fiber used comes from responsibly managed forests.
How is the manufacturing process of the iPhone 13 sustainable?
Apple has a supplier code of conduct that clearly emphasizes protecting our planet in its manufacturing process. To reduce negative environmental impact, these guidelines are being applied to the supply chain process in addition to responsible material sourcing.
Building on this solid foundation, the team goes even further-from helping suppliers transition to 100% renewable energy use, raising employee awareness through training programs, to facilitating waste reduction for final assembly suppliers, including avoiding landfills. Plus, the manufacturing includes the use of greener chemicals with due respect to the GreenScreen® assessment.
Is iPhone 13 life cycle sustainable?
The Apple team has stated « We take responsibility for our products throughout their life cycles—including the materials they are made of, the people who assemble them, and how they are recycled at end of life. And we focus on the areas where we can make the biggest difference for our planet: reducing our impact on climate change, conserving important resources, and using safer materials.”
This is reflected in their life cycle carbon emissions through
81% Production
2% Transport
16% Use
<1% End of life processing
The focus on reducing Apple’s contribution to climate change by making energy-efficient products from renewable or recycled materials illustrates Apple’s commitment to a more sustainable life cycle for the iPhone 13. In terms of Apple’s Supplier Clean Energy Program, its suppliers have reduced the overall carbon footprint of iPhone 13 by nearly 6 percent compared to the previous iPhone by using renewable energy. In addition, the company values the use of low-carbon aluminum for the case, which is melted down using hydroelectricity as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Finally, Apple is committed to using lifecycle carbon analysis to identify opportunities to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from its products.
What about the energy consumption of the iPhone 13?
If there is one thing that “iSheeps” are always on the lookout for in the new iPhone, it is the innovation in its increased battery life. The iPhone 13 consumes 54% less energy than the energy conservation standard. Energy-saving components are used to regulate energy consumption smartly. Are you now convinced that the iPhone 13 is revolutionarily sustainable? If you wish to be environmentally friendly while staying on the cutting edge of technology, the iPhone 13 could be a sustainable purchase to make this year.