Press release - September 10, 2008
Greenpeace today applauded Steve Jobs' announcement that Apple's latest batch of revamped iPods - the iPod Touch, iPod Nano and iPod Classic - will now be free of both PVC and BFRs, along with an absence of mercury and the use of arsenic-free glass.
"Greenpeace congratulates Apple for phasing out harmful
chemicals like PVC and BFRs(1)
in its new, much greener iPods. But we know that Jobs and his team
can go even further, and truly take a lead in greening the
electronics industry," said Casey Harrell, Greenpeace International
campaigner. "We hope that this is only a teaser of what is to come,
and that we will see more of the same with all future product
announcements, from iPhones to Macs."
Greenpeace believes that the latest-generation iPods are
significantly less toxic than before. Apple's announcement(2) is also a good sign that it is
serious about meeting its commitment to phase out PVC and BFRs from
all of its products by the end of 2008. Further, it shows - once
again - that there is absolutely no reason why a high-performing
electronics product needs to be toxic in order to be popular,
effective and affordable - these are the cheapest iPods yet.
While Apple has now positioned itself amongst the leaders in the
electronics industry on PVC and BFR phase-out, toxic chemical
phase-out in its iPods should be consistent across all other future
product ranges, from Apple iPhone to Apple Macs.
"Greenpeace will stay vigilant, watching future Apple
announcements and holding it accountable," added Harrell. "What
we'd really like for Christmas is to see Apple remove toxic
chemicals from all its products, and announce a free, global
recycling scheme. Now, that would make a very tasty green Apple
indeed!"
Other contacts: Casey Harrell, Greenpeace International Toxics Campaign:
+1 415 307 3382
Greenpeace International press desk:
+31 20 718 2470
Notes: (1) Electronic devices are a complex mixture of several hundred materials. Many of these materials contain certain toxic heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and beryllium, and hazardous chemicals such as BFRs (brominated flame retardants) and polluting PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic. These dangerous substances cause serious pollution and put workers and recyclers at risk of exposure when the products are produced or disposed of. Of particular concern is the exposure of women and children to lead and mercury; these metals are highly toxic and can harm children and developing foetuses even at low levels of exposure.
(2) Apple has streamed its product launch for online viewing.