Publication - 19 September, 2007
Apple has slid down the ranking again to 12th position with no new improvements, while its competitors race ahead. The company has committed to eliminate all uses of PVC and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in its products by the end of 2008. It now provides examples of additional substances that it plans to eliminate with timelines, such as arsenic in LCDs and mercury, and Material Safety Data Sheets for all its products. But, Apple has yet to offer consumers products that are free of PVC and BFRs. Top marks to Apple for reporting on its recycling rate as a percentage (9.5%) of sales 7 years ago and for setting goals to recycle nearly 30% by 2010. It could score better by supporting the principle of individual producer responsibility for its end of life products globally.