Apple and Samsung are two titans in the tech industry, each with a vast influence on the market. But how are they addressing the growing challenge of e-waste? Let’s delve into their strategies and find out who’s leading the charge in sustainability.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels, contribute significantly to climate change. Currently, Samsung has one of the highest carbon footprints in the tech industry, while Apple fares much better and aims to make all products carbon-neutral by 2030.

Samsung is also making strides, planning to invest over $5.3 billion into environmental management activities by 2030. Its sustainability vision, "Galaxy for the Planet," includes ambitious goals like reducing standby power consumption to zero and achieving company-wide net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Additionally, Samsung plans to transition to 100% renewable energy as part of its environmental strategy.

Shipping and Packaging

Reducing packaging waste is a key step in minimizing e-waste. Both Apple and Samsung have taken steps to address this issue.

Apple has stopped including a charger port with new devices, resulting in smaller packaging. The company has also reduced its use of plastic, with iPhone packaging now being 95 percent fiber-based, 70 percent of which is recycled. Apple claims to source the remaining percentage ethically. Notably, the company reported an "80% reduction in shipping emissions of HomePod (2nd generation)."

Samsung aims to eliminate plastic packaging by 2025 and continuously works to improve its packaging and shipping practices.

Circular Economy

A circular economy focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing resource use by designing products for easy recycling or repurposing and promoting the reuse and repair of goods. Both Apple and Samsung are embracing this approach in their product design and packaging strategies.

Apple aims to use only recycled or renewable materials in its products. Samsung plans to incorporate more recycled materials into its products and aims to use them in all new mobile devices by 2025. Additionally, Samsung has set a goal to collect 25 million tonnes of e-waste by 2050.

Refurbishment

Refurbishing phones is another way Apple and Samsung contribute to the circular economy. By extending the lifespan of their products, they reduce electronic waste and minimize the need for new resources, providing consumers with affordable, high-quality devices.

Apple’s refurbished products come with an “Apple Certified Refurbished” label and a one-year warranty. Similarly, Samsung labels its extensively tested refurbished phones as “Certified Re-Newed” and also offers a one-year warranty.

For even more affordable refurbished options, check out Handtec’s selection of iPhones and Samsung phones.

Repairability

Repairability is crucial for extending the lifespan of devices. While opinions vary on whether Apple or Samsung phones are more repairable, Apple phones are generally seen as more durable.

Recycled Materials

Both Apple and Samsung are taking steps to use more recycled materials in their products.

Apple has significantly reduced its carbon footprint by using recycled materials. In 2021, 45% of the rare earth elements used in its products were certified recycled. Apple also used recycled gold for the first time in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro. In 2022, 20% of all materials shipped in products came from recycled and renewable sources.

Samsung aims to achieve zero waste by 2025 and has begun using discarded fishing nets in some products. By 2050, the company plans to incorporate recycled resin into 100% of its plastics.

Conclusion

Both Apple and Samsung are making commendable efforts to improve their environmental impact. Currently, Apple’s practices are more eco-friendly overall, particularly in terms of its lower carbon footprint. However, Samsung is making significant strides and plans to drastically change its environmental impact in the coming years.

Shop Green with Handtec

Buying refurbished devices is a great way to be kinder to both the environment and your wallet. Handtec offers refurbished devices in mint condition at a fraction of the original price.

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