Apple has ditched the use of leather in its watch straps and phone cases as part of its goal to make all of its products carbon neutral by the end of the decade at it pushes to meet its net zero by 2030 goal.
The tech giant will instead be using a textile called FineWoven, which is made from 68% recycled material, as part of it’s efforts to “protect the planet”.
Apple is also implementing a number of other new processes to cut down on using raw materials in its products as it aims to reach net zero by 2030. Vice president for environment Lisa Jackson said that while leather is a popular material it has a “a significant carbon footprint”, especially at Apple’s scale.
“To reduce our impact, we will no longer use leather in any new product, including watchbands,” she added.
Apple’s Sport Loop watch strap has also been redesigned with 82% recycled yearn and includes material from discarded fishing nets.
“We’ve achieved an important milestone in making the world’s most popular watch carbon neutral — and we will keep innovating to meet the urgency of the moment,” added Jackson.
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Outside of leather, Apple unveiled its focusing on reducing emissions throughout the supply chain and creation of its products.
Each carbon neutral Apple Watch model meets the following strict criteria: 100% clean electricity for manufacturing and product use, 30% recycled or renewable material by weight, and 50% of shipping without the use of air transportation.
The tech company stated that these combined could result at least a 75% reduction in product emissions for each model.
The brand said will also use “high-quality” carbon credits to address the small amount of remaining emissions, resulting in a carbon neutral product footprint.
