Skip to main content

Apple’s supplier responsibility report highlights progress on working conditions, boosts focus on environment

supplier

Apple’s eighth annual Supplier Responsibility Progress Report highlights the progress made on reducing child labor and enforcing working hour limits, and shows a significant increase in the environmental standards Apple’s suppliers are expected to meet.

The number of cases of underage workers fell from 106 last year to 11 this year. Compliance with Apple’s requirement of a maximum working week of 60 hours hit 95 percent, with 97 percent meeting the requirement of at least one day off a week. Apple reported that the average working week of a supply chain employee was less than 50 hours … 

Apple has also increased the environmental standards it requires suppliers to uphold. Several issues previously considered less serious breaches – such as disposing of hazardous waste at non-approved facilities – have been upgraded to unacceptable violations. Apple increased by 50 percent the number of environmental audits it conducted.

The company confirmed that all of its tantalum suppliers – a key metal used in the manufacture of electronic equipment – have been independently verified to be using so-called conflict-free sources, in contrast to those believed to be funding wars in central Africa. Apple also added a new program designed to reduce water usage by its suppliers.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. whats that in her hand? looks to big to be a iPad Air…..

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear