As sustainability becomes a bigger priority across the technology sector, Apple has shared new progress showing how recycled materials are playing a larger role in the products it brings to market.
In its latest environmental update, the company revealed that recycled materials made up 30 percent of the total materials used across products shipped during 2025. This represents the highest level of recycled content Apple has reached to date and reflects years of work focused on product design, sourcing practices, and supply chain improvements.
Recycled Materials Becoming Central to Product Design
Apple says recycled resources are becoming an increasingly important part of how devices are built.
One of the biggest developments highlighted in the report is the company’s move to use recycled cobalt in all batteries that are designed internally. At the same time, magnets used across Apple devices now rely on recycled rare earth materials.
The company also completed its transition away from plastic based retail packaging. Fiber based packaging solutions are now being used to make recycling easier and reduce dependence on conventional plastic materials.
Progress Toward Long Term Climate Goals
These updates form part of Apple’s broader environmental strategy aimed at lowering the climate impact of both products and business operations by 2030.
According to the company, overall emissions remain well below 2015 levels despite continued business growth and increasing product demand. Apple credits this progress to changes across manufacturing, materials sourcing, and energy use.
Renewable Energy Continues to Support Operations
Beyond recycled content, Apple reported continued expansion of renewable energy efforts.
Suppliers participating in clean energy programs generated significant amounts of renewable electricity throughout the year. Meanwhile, Apple continued operating its offices, retail locations, and supporting infrastructure using renewable energy sources.
The company sees supplier participation as an important part of reducing environmental impact across the entire production chain.
Water Conservation and Circular Manufacturing Gain Attention
Water management also remained an important focus.
Apple reported measurable freshwater savings across operations and supply networks. In addition, projects designed to replenish water resources helped restore part of the company’s overall water use footprint.
The company also introduced improvements to its recycling systems through advanced recovery technologies. These systems are designed to recover more valuable materials from retired devices and support a more circular manufacturing approach.
A Growing Focus on Measurable Sustainability
New products introduced during the year were developed with increased recycled content and greater manufacturing efficiency in mind.
As expectations around environmental accountability continue to rise, technology companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate real progress through measurable outcomes. Apple’s latest update signals continued movement toward integrating sustainability goals directly into product development and operations.
Source: Apple Environmental Progress Update, April 2026.
