Apple announced at its iPhone 15 event that it will no longer sell leather accessories, such as iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands. The company said that leather has a serious impact on the environment, particularly at Apple’s scale.
Leather is a natural material that is made from the skin of animals, such as cows and sheep. The process of tanning leather requires a lot of energy and water, and it produces harmful chemicals. In addition, the raising of livestock for leather production contributes to deforestation and climate change.
Apple is committed to reducing its environmental impact, and the company has been making a number of changes in recent years to make its products more sustainable. For example, Apple has switched to 100% renewable energy for its operations, and it is using more recycled materials in its products.
The decision to stop selling leather accessories is another step in Apple’s sustainability journey. Apple is introducing a new material called FineWoven to replace leather. FineWoven is made from recycled materials, and it is more durable and sustainable than leather.
Apple is also making some environmental changes to its other watch bands. The Sport Loop is now made from 82% recycled yarn and is carbon neutral. The Nike sport band now contains at least 32% recycled fluoroelastomer, and the Nike sport loop reuses yarn from previous seasons of bands.
These changes are part of Apple’s big environmental push. The company is committed to reducing its environmental impact and making its products more sustainable. Apple is also encouraging its suppliers to adopt more sustainable practices.
In addition to the environmental benefits, Apple’s new FineWoven material is also more affordable than leather. This means that more people will be able to afford Apple accessories, which could help the company to grow its business.
Overall, Apple’s decision to stop selling leather accessories is a positive step for the environment and for the company itself. It is a sign that Apple is committed to sustainability and that it is willing to make changes to its products and operations to reduce its environmental impact.
