Apple and Samsung: two tech giants in today’s world that’s oversaturated with tech. What are each of them doing to combat the challenges of e-waste? Read on…
Carbon emissions
Carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for energy. These emissions contribute to climate change.
Currently, Samsung has one of the highest carbon emissions in the tech industry; Apple’s carbon footprint is far better. Plus, it plans to make all products carbon-neutral by 2030.
However, Samsung does plan to invest over $5.3 billion into environmental management activities by 2030, making consistent efforts to change its carbon footprint.
It has a sustainability vision called “Galaxy for the Planet“. which includes goals like reducing standby power consumption (to eventually zero). By 2050, Samsung wants to achieve company-wide net zero carbon emissions. Furthermore, it wants to transition to 100% renewable energy as part of its environmental strategy.
Shipping and packaging
One of the best ways to minimise e-waste is by reducing the amount of packaging used in shipping electronic devices. Both Apple and Samsung have made efforts to address this issue.
Apple stopped including a charger port, which means its packaging is smaller than before. Additionally, the company has reduced its use of plastic in packaging. iPhone packaging is now 95 percent fibre-based. Moreover, the fibre is 70 percent recycled, and the company claims that they source the remaining percentage ethically. Additionally, Apple has reported to achieve ”80% reduction in shipping emissions of HomePod (2nd generation).”
What about Samsung? Among Samsung’s goals is not using any more plastic packaging by 2025. Like Apple, the company also consistently tries to improve its packaging and shipping efforts.
Circular economy
Circular economy is an economic system aimed at minimising waste and maximising the use of resources. It involves designing products to be easily recycled or repurposed and promoting the reuse and repair of goods. This approach helps reduce environmental impact and promotes sustainability. Apple and Samsung are both embracing the principles of a circular economy in their packaging and product design strategies.
Apple aims to use only recycled or renewable materials in its products. As for Samsung, it plans to incorporate more recycled materials into products and use them in all new mobile devices by 2025. It also aims to achieve zero waste by that same year. Additionally, Samsung aims to collect 25 million tonnes of e-waste by 2050.
Refurbishment
Refurbishing phones is another way that Apple and Samsung are contributing to the circular economy. By extending the lifespan of their products through refurbishment, they’re reducing electronic waste and minimising the need for new resources. This not only benefits the environment but also provides consumers with more affordable options for purchasing high-quality devices.
Apple backs its refurbished products with an ”Apple Certified Refurbished” label and a one-year warranty. Likewise, Samsung extensively tests refurbished phones, which they then label “Certified Re-Newed.” It also offers a one-year warranty.
But you can also get even more affordable refurbished options from other vendors. Check out theiOutlet’s selection of iPhones and Samsung phones.
Repairability
Repairability is an important aspect of every phone. If you can repair your phone if it malfunctions, it allows you to keep it for longer. Repairability can save you money in the long run. And it’s, of course, better for the environment.
There are varying perceptions on whether Apple or Samsung phones are more repairable. However, Apple phones are generally seen as more durable.
Recycled materials
Making entirely recycled phones is difficult. But both Apple and Samsung are taking steps to use as many recycled materials as possible.
As mentioned above, Apple has reduced its carbon footprint by using recycled materials in its products. In 2021, Apple used 45% certified recycled rare earth elements in its products. It also used recycled gold for the first time in iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro. Additionally, in their own words, ”20% of all material shipped in products in 2022* came from recycled and renewable sources.”
As mentioned above, Samsung aims to achieve zero waste by 2025. It has already begun using discarded fishing nets in some of its products. By 2050, they aim to incorporate resin into 100% of all their plastics.
Conclusion
Both Apple and Samsung are making efforts to improve their impact on the environment. However, at the moment, Apple’s practices are more eco-friendly overall, especially when we for example, take into account its lower carbon footprint. It’s noteworthy, though, that Samsung is making significant efforts to radically change its environmental impact in the coming years.
Shop green with the iOutlet
Buying refurbished devices is a way to be kinder to the environment and your wallet. The iOutlet offers refurbished devices in mint condition, available for a fraction of the original price.
