Apple has shared its latest environmental progress, confirming that 30 percent of materials used across all products shipped in 2025 came from recycled sources — the highest level achieved so far. The update comes as part of its annual Environmental Progress Report, outlining progress toward the Apple 2030 goal of becoming carbon neutral across its entire footprint.
The company also noted that its greenhouse gas emissions remain over 60 percent lower than 2015 levels, staying flat compared to 2024 despite continued business growth.
Key sustainability milestones in 2025
Apple highlighted several key milestones across materials, packaging, and operations. The company has significantly increased the use of recycled content in core components while also completing its transition away from plastic packaging.
- 30% recycled material usage across all products shipped in 2025
- 100% recycled cobalt used in all Apple-designed batteries
- 100% recycled rare earth elements used in all magnets
- 100% recycled gold plating and tin soldering in Apple-designed circuit boards
- 100% fiber-based, plastic-free packaging
- More than half of corporate water use replenished in 2025
Breakdown of Apple’s sustainability progress
Apple’s progress spans multiple areas including materials innovation, recycling, renewable energy, and water conservation, supported by both in-house development and supply chain collaboration.
Recycled materials and packaging
Apple has expanded the use of recycled materials across key components while maintaining strict sourcing standards across its supply chain, covering environmental and human rights practices. At the same time, it has fully transitioned to fiber-based packaging, replacing plastic trays and protective films with paper-based alternatives.
- Avoided over 15,000 metric tons of plastic in five years (~500 million bottles equivalent)
- Redesigned large packaging, including displays, to fit into home recycling bins
Recycling technology and recovery systems
To improve material recovery from used devices, Apple introduced new recycling technologies. These systems are designed to increase efficiency and enable broader industry adoption.
- Cora recycling system uses precision shredding and advanced sensors
- A.R.I.S. system uses machine learning to sort electronic scrap
- A.R.I.S. runs on Mac mini and is being tested with recycling partners
Renewable energy expansion
Apple and its suppliers continue to scale clean energy usage. The company is also working to align customer energy usage with renewable sources globally.
- Over 20GW renewable energy procured by suppliers in 2025
- More than 38 million MWh clean electricity generated
- Equivalent to powering over 3.4 million U.S. homes
- Additional 1.8GW used across Apple’s offices, retail, and data centers
Water conservation and replenishment
Apple reported strong progress in water management, both within its operations and across its supply chain.
- 17 billion gallons of fresh water saved in 2025
- Equivalent to over 25,000 Olympic-size swimming pools
- More than half of corporate water use replenished
- All Apple-owned data centers certified for water stewardship
Low-carbon product innovation
The newly introduced MacBook Neo reflects Apple’s approach to reducing product-level carbon impact. It uses a higher share of recycled materials and introduces more efficient manufacturing processes.
- 60% recycled content overall
- 100% recycled cobalt and rare earth elements
- Material-efficient enclosure reduces raw material usage
- New anodization process enables 70% water reuse
Waste reduction and zero waste efforts
Apple continues to reduce waste across operations and its supply chain, with a focus on landfill diversion and certified zero-waste facilities.
- 75% waste diversion rate across global facilities
- Over 600,000 metric tons of waste diverted from landfills in 2025
- 400 supplier facilities in Zero Waste Program
- All final assembly sites operate with zero waste to landfill
Additionally, Apple Fifth Avenue became the company’s first retail store to achieve TRUE Zero Waste Certification, joining multiple data centers and campuses that have reached platinum-level certification.
Availability
As part of its Earth Day initiative, Apple is offering a limited-time recycling program at participating Apple Store locations.
- Customers must recycle an eligible Apple device
- Purchase eligible AirPods or accessories in the same transaction
- Receive 10% discount
- Offer valid from April 16 to May 16, 2026
Recycled devices are processed through Apple’s systems, including Daisy and Cora.
Speaking on the announcement, Tim Cook said:
At Apple, we strongly believe in leaving the world better than we found it, and that commitment shapes everything we do. These milestones in our work to protect the planet show that ambitious goals can also be powerful drivers of innovation. And as always, we’ll continue pushing to build on this progress even further.