The launch of the new Mac mini marks an important step in Apple’s environmental strategy. Indeed, this is the brand’s first Mac to achieve carbon neutrality, a goal that Apple has set for all of its activities by 2030.
An eco-designed Mac mini with recycled materials
To achieve this, Apple has focused on the eco-design of this new model. The Mac mini is made with more than 50% recycled materials, including:
- 100% recycled aluminum for the housing
- 100% recycled gold for plating Apple-designed circuit boards
- 100% recycled rare earths for magnets
The electricity used for the production of the Mac mini comes 100% from renewable sources. And to offset users’ electricity consumption, Apple has invested in clean energy projects around the world.
A carbon footprint reduced by more than 80%
Choosing lower carbon transport modes, such as sea freight, has also reduced the environmental impact linked to logistics. In total, these various actions made it possible to reduce the carbon footprint of the Mac mini by more than 80%.
For residual emissions, Apple uses high-quality carbon credits from nature preservation projects such as its Restore Fund. An approach which is not unanimous, the EU having for example prohibited Apple from promoting the carbon neutrality of its Watch Series 9 last year, due to the use of these carbon credits.
100% fiber-based packaging
Another first for the Mac mini: its packaging is now made entirely of fiber, bringing Apple closer to its goal of eliminating plastic from all its packaging by 2025.
With this new Mac mini, Apple is taking a symbolic step in its environmental strategy. After the Apple Watch, it is the turn of one of its computers to achieve carbon neutrality. An eco-responsible approach which should gradually extend to the entire range, while Apple aims for a neutral carbon footprint for all its activities by 2030.
If certain points, such as the use of carbon credits, are still debated, it is clear that Apple is moving in the right direction. By integrating sustainable development at the heart of the design of its products, the brand sets an example and proves that it is possible to combine cutting-edge technology and respect for the environment. A model that other manufacturers would be well inspired to follow, at a time when the climate emergency has never been so pressing.
