How Apple Exceeded Emissions Targets Across its Operations

Apple has achieved a 60% cut in global greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2015 levels, ahead of schedule on its 2030 carbon neutrality goal. 

The company outlined its achievements, including cleaner manufacturing and production of semiconductors, in its annual Environmental Progress Report, published in April 2025.

Apple aims to reduce emissions by 75% by the end of the decade, then apply high-quality carbon credits to address the remainder.

The company’s Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson states: "We're incredibly proud of the progress we're making toward Apple 2030, which touches every part of our business. 

“As we get closer to 2030, the work gets even harder — and we're meeting the challenge with innovation, collaboration and urgency."

Decarbonisation through supplier action

Apple’s route to emissions reduction relies heavily on supply chain transformation. 

The company’s suppliers have procured 17.8 gigawatts of renewable electricity, helping to avoid 21.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 alone. This figure marks an increase of more than 17% from 2023.

Suppliers also improved energy efficiency, which Apple says helped avoid nearly two million metric tons of emissions last year.

Apple’s semiconductor supply chain, which includes the manufacturer of semiconductors and flat-panel displays, has a specific goal: 26 suppliers have committed to reduce at least 90% of fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions from Apple-related production by 2030. 

These gases are typically used in the etching and cleaning processes of chip manufacture and are among the most potent greenhouse gases in the industry.

All of Apple’s direct display suppliers have pledged to make similar cuts. 

Combined, semiconductor and display suppliers cut 8.4 million metric tons of emissions in 2024.

Closing material loops

Apple is also progressing towards a circular supply model in its manufacturing and supply chains. 

It now meets 99% of its 2025 goal for using fully recycled rare earth elements in magnets and recycled cobalt in Apple-designed batteries. 

Magnets are the largest application for rare earth elements in Apple products, and the company’s own battery designs account for more than 97% of its cobalt usage.

Apple’s Zero Waste programme has diverted 600,000 metric tons of supplier waste from landfills in 2024, with a total of 3.6 million metric tons avoided since 2015. 

This amounts to the equivalent of 4.5 million square metres of landfill area eliminated, indicating tangible results in waste diversion practices.

Product and water use performance

Newly manufactured products also increasingly reflect Apple’s ambitions materials targets. 

For example, a new version of the MacBook Air launched this year was built with over 55% recycled content—Apple’s highest ever figure for any device. 

The firm also released its first carbon neutral Mac, the Mac mini, last year and now offers carbon neutral options for every version of the Apple Watch.

Despite these steps forward, water conservation presents more of a challenge. 

Apple has only secured partnerships to meet 40% of its 2030 water replenishment target for high-stress areas. That target commits the firm to replenishing all freshwater withdrawals in such regions by the end of the decade.

Since 2013, Apple and its suppliers have saved more than 90 billion gallons of freshwater through its Supplier Clean Water Program. 

Participating suppliers reached an average reuse rate of 42% last year, saving 14 billion gallons in 2024 alone.

Apple has set a target to replenish 100% of freshwater withdrawals in high-stress locations by 2030.

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