In this environmental update, I’d like to inform you of our recent progress and introduce you to a groundbreaking system of reporting that we believe is unmatched in our industry.
Last year we announced the unprecedented goal of eliminating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from Apple products by the end of 2008. We also pledged to remove mercury from our displays and arsenic from our display glass as we transition to more efficient light-emitting diode (LED) technology. I’m proud to report that all of Apple’s new product designs are on track to meet our 2008 year-end goal.
Apple’s product takeback programs have grown dramatically since our last update, when we set some of the most aggressive recycling goals in the industry. In 2007, our recycling volume grew 57% as Apple collected nearly 21 million pounds of e-waste. Apple now provides takeback options for our customers in 95% of the countries where our products are sold.
Last year I promised an update on the carbon footprint of our products as we set out to assess Apple’s true environmental impact. Most companies are focused on the emissions produced by their offices or perhaps their factories, but we have found that this accounts for just a small fraction—less than 5%—of the greenhouse gases associated with consumer electronics. We’re approaching this issue at a product level because we think it’s the best way to help our customers make informed decisions about their own carbon footprint and how to reduce it.