Carbon Neutral Report for Apple Watch Bands
Bands Covered: Sport Loop, Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Milanese Loop, Titanium Milanese Loop, Braided Solo Loop, and Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop (42mm and 46mm)
Date: September 2024
This report includes data current as of product launch. Product evaluations are based on U.S. configurations. Product carbon footprint calculations include in-box accessories as well as packaging.
Our Carbon Neutrality Strategy for Apple Watch Bands
Apple's goal is to achieve carbon neutrality for its entire carbon footprint by 2030, targeting a reduction of total carbon emissions to no more than 9.6 million metric tons, representing at least a 75 percent reduction against its 2015 baseline. This ambitious goal necessitates substantial decarbonization of products. The strategy focuses on transitioning to low-carbon electricity, designing with recycled and renewable materials, and prioritizing lower-carbon transportation methods, such as ocean freight. Carbon credits from high-quality projects are applied only after significant emission reductions have been achieved.
How We're Reducing Emissions
Using Recycled and Renewable Materials: Apple is increasing recycled content in its products, optimizing material and manufacturing efficiencies, and improving yields. For materials not yet fully transitioned to recycled content, the company prioritizes renewable and low-carbon alternatives, such as aluminum smelted with hydroelectricity. By 2025, Apple plans to use 100 percent recycled cobalt in batteries, 100 percent recycled tin soldering and gold plating in circuit boards, and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in magnets. All bands covered in this report contain at least 30 percent total recycled content by weight.
Sourcing 100% Renewable Electricity for Manufacturing: To reduce manufacturing emissions, Apple is transitioning its supply chain to 100 percent renewable electricity and prioritizing energy efficiency. For these carbon neutral bands, 100 percent of manufacturing electricity is sourced from renewable energy.
Increasing Non-Air Transportation: To reduce transportation emissions, Apple is shifting from air shipping to lower-carbon modes like ocean or rail. For the combined weight of all carbon neutral watches and bands, over 50 percent is shipped via non-air modes from final assembly sites to regional distribution hubs.
How We Reach Carbon Neutral for Bands
To address remaining emissions, Apple utilizes nature-based solutions that generate high-quality carbon credits. These solutions are crucial for climate crisis mitigation, ecosystem health, and atmospheric carbon removal. Apple adheres to the scientific consensus that carbon credits should only be used after aggressive emission reduction and efficiency efforts. The company established the Restore Fund to scale up high-quality, nature-based carbon removal projects globally and also originates its own projects with reputable partners. Apple selects credits from projects that meet international standards like Verra and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standard, ensuring projects are real, additional, measurable, quantified, and have systems to prevent double-counting and ensure permanence. Carbon credits are retired annually to correspond with emissions from products sold in the prior fiscal year, with verification by an independent third party.
How We're Demonstrating Progress
Carbon footprint calculations are performed using a life cycle carbon analysis approach aligned with international standards. To ensure real reductions, Apple models a business-as-usual scenario based on the following assumptions:
- No use of low-carbon electricity for manufacturing or product use beyond what is available on the latest modeled grid.
- Apple's 2015 carbon intensity for key materials, reflecting recycled content and production technology.
- Apple's average transportation mix (air, rail, ocean, ground) across three years (fiscal years 2017-2019) to represent baseline transportation emissions.
Carbon Footprint Reduction Details
The following sections detail the emissions reduction for specific Apple Watch bands:
Sport Loop, Braided Solo Loop, and Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop (42mm and 46mm)
Emissions for these bands have been reduced by more than 40 percent compared to the business-as-usual scenario. The Sport Loop, for instance, features over 45 percent recycled content, including recycled spandex, PET, and nylon, some derived from discarded fishing nets. Manufacturing electricity is 100 percent renewable. The carbon footprint calculation accounts for emissions related to generating and maintaining renewable energy infrastructure. Transportation emissions are reduced through a logistics plan favoring non-air shipping.
Emissions Breakdown:
- Baseline Emissions: 1.8 kg
- Emissions Avoidance and Reductions: -0.8 kg
- Total Product Emissions: 1 kg
- Carbon Credits Applied: -1 kg
- Net Emissions: 0 kg
Diagram Description: A stacked bar chart illustrates baseline emissions (Materials and process, Electricity, Transportation) reduced by avoidance measures (Materials and process, Low-carbon electricity, Non-air shipping) to reach total product emissions, which are then offset by carbon credits to achieve net zero emissions.
Alpine Loop
Emissions for the Alpine Loop have been reduced by more than 60 percent against the business-as-usual scenario. This band contains over 40 percent recycled content, including recycled polyester, spandex, and 90 percent recycled titanium in the hook. Manufacturing electricity is 100 percent renewable. Similar to other bands, emissions from renewable energy infrastructure and non-air transportation are factored in.
Emissions Breakdown:
- Baseline Emissions: 7 kg
- Emissions Avoidance and Reductions: -4.4 kg
- Total Product Emissions: 2.6 kg
- Carbon Credits Applied: -2.6 kg
- Net Emissions: 0 kg
Diagram Description: A stacked bar chart illustrates baseline emissions (Materials and process, Electricity, Transportation) reduced by avoidance measures (Materials and process, Low-carbon electricity, Non-air shipping) to reach total product emissions, which are then offset by carbon credits to achieve net zero emissions.
Trail Loop
Emissions for the Trail Loop have been reduced by more than 70 percent against the business-as-usual scenario. The band contains over 30 percent recycled content, including recycled polyester, nylon, spandex, and 90 percent recycled titanium in the hook. Manufacturing electricity is 100 percent renewable. Emissions from renewable energy infrastructure and non-air transportation are also accounted for.
Emissions Breakdown:
- Baseline Emissions: 6.3 kg
- Emissions Avoidance and Reductions: -4.5 kg
- Total Product Emissions: 1.8 kg
- Carbon Credits Applied: -1.8 kg
- Net Emissions: 0 kg
Diagram Description: A stacked bar chart illustrates baseline emissions (Materials and process, Electricity, Transportation) reduced by avoidance measures (Recycled and low-carbon materials, Low-carbon electricity, Non-air shipping) to reach total product emissions, which are then offset by carbon credits to achieve net zero emissions.
Milanese Loop
Emissions for the Milanese Loop have been reduced by more than 85 percent against the business-as-usual scenario. The band features over 65 percent recycled content, including 80 percent recycled stainless steel in the mesh. Manufacturing electricity is 100 percent renewable. Emissions from renewable energy infrastructure and non-air transportation are considered.
Emissions Breakdown:
- Baseline Emissions: 9.4 kg
- Emissions Avoidance and Reductions: -8.3 kg
- Total Product Emissions: 1.1 kg
- Carbon Credits Applied: -1.1 kg
- Net Emissions: 0 kg
Diagram Description: A stacked bar chart illustrates baseline emissions (Materials and process, Electricity, Transportation) reduced by avoidance measures (Recycled and low-carbon materials, Low-carbon electricity, Non-air shipping) to reach total product emissions, which are then offset by carbon credits to achieve net zero emissions.
Titanium Milanese Loop
Emissions for the Titanium Milanese Loop have been reduced by more than 90 percent against the business-as-usual scenario. This band contains 85 percent recycled content, including 95 percent recycled titanium in the mesh and hardware. Manufacturing electricity is 100 percent renewable. Emissions from renewable energy infrastructure and non-air transportation are also accounted for.
Emissions Breakdown:
- Baseline Emissions: 13.8 kg
- Emissions Avoidance and Reductions: -12.9 kg
- Total Product Emissions: 0.9 kg
- Carbon Credits Applied: -0.9 kg
- Net Emissions: 0 kg
Diagram Description: A stacked bar chart illustrates baseline emissions (Materials and process, Electricity, Transportation) reduced by avoidance measures (Recycled and low-carbon materials, Low-carbon electricity, Non-air shipping) to reach total product emissions, which are then offset by carbon credits to achieve net zero emissions.
Carbon Footprint Summary
| Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions | Sport Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop (42mm and 46mm) | Alpine Loop | Trail Loop | Milanese Loop | Titanium Milanese Loop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple emissions from utility-purchased electricity (scope 2) | 0 kg CO₂e | 0 kg CO₂e | 0 kg CO₂e | 0 kg CO₂e | 0 kg CO₂e |
| Life cycle product emissions (scope 3) | 1 kg CO₂e | 2.6 kg CO₂e | 1.8 kg CO₂e | 1 kg CO₂e | 0.9 kg CO₂e |
| Production | 25% | 70% | 57% | 54% | 48% |
| Generation of renewable electricity - production | 1% | 5% | 6% | 27% | 36% |
| Transportation | 68% | 28% | 40% | 43% | 48% |
| Product use | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| End-of-life processing | 8% | 2% | 4% | 3% | 3% |
| GHG reductions achieved | ↓44% | ↓62% | ↓71% | ↓>85% | ↓>90% |
| Product footprint before carbon credits | 1 kg CO₂e | 2.6 kg CO₂e | 1.8 kg CO₂e | 1 kg CO₂e | 0.9 kg CO₂e |
| Carbon credits applied (per product) | 1 kg CO₂e | 2.6 kg CO₂e | 1.8 kg CO₂e | 1 kg CO₂e | 0.9 kg CO₂e |
| Total product footprint after carbon credits | 0 kg CO₂e | 0 kg CO₂e | 0 kg CO₂e | 0 kg CO₂e | 0 kg CO₂e |
Note: Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding.
There is inherent uncertainty in modeling carbon emissions due to data limitations. Apple addresses this by developing detailed process-based environmental models with Apple-specific parameters for key contributors, and relies on industry-average data for other elements. For more information on Apple's product carbon footprint methodology, visit apple.com/environment/answers.
High-Quality Carbon Removal
Apple aims for carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2030, employing a range of solutions. The priority remains emissions reduction, supported by actions within its operations and supply chain, including process innovation, direct emissions abatement, and transitioning to renewable energy. In 2021, Apple partnered with Conservation International and Goldman Sachs to launch the Restore Fund, an innovative nature-based carbon removal investment strategy. In 2023, this commitment was expanded with a second fund. These funds aim to remove significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and provide benefits to local communities and biodiversity. The Restore Fund employs rigorous diligence processes to ensure project quality. The initial phase focuses on blending responsible forestry practices with carbon removal, creating new, responsibly managed forests optimized for carbon sequestration and timber production, generating high-quality carbon credits and positive environmental impacts.
Apple also addresses difficult-to-avoid emissions by identifying projects of the highest standard. Projects align with international standards such as Verra and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standard to ensure credits are real, additional, measurable, quantified, and prevent double-counting. Carbon credits are retired annually, and an independent third party confirms the correct number of credits have been retired.
Example Carbon Removal Project:
| Project Name | Project Description | Accounting Methodology Used | Registry Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forestal Apepu Carbon Project (Part of the Restore Fund) | Forestal Apepu S.A., established in 2019, conducts sustainable reforestation in Eastern Paraguay. The company focuses on producing quality logs for solid timber, sequestering carbon, and creating jobs in a deforested landscape. It manages over 8,256 hectares, with approximately 30% maintained as natural forest cover. The company is restoring forest cover through commercial eucalyptus plantations, trials of native species, and protection of remaining natural forest. | AR-ACM0003 Afforestation and reforestation of lands except wetlands | https://registry.verra.org/app/projectDetail/VCS/2369 |
Certifications
SCS Global Services has conducted independent assessments for Apple Inc.'s carbon neutral commitments:
Sport Loop
Certification Scope: Validation of Apple Inc.'s 2025 declaration of commitment to Carbon Neutral Certification based on the Cradle-to-Grave Greenhouse Gas emission for its Sport Loop product.
Certification Criteria: SCS-108 Certification Standard for Carbon Neutral Entities, Buildings, Products and Services: Version 1.1; ISO 14067:2018 Greenhouse gases - Carbon footprint of products - Requirements and guidelines for quantification.
Total Estimated Emissions Verified: 0.97 KGS OF CO₂e PER UNIT
Total Estimated Emissions to Offset: 0.97 KGS OF CO₂e PER UNIT
Carbon Neutral Certification Period: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026.
Certificate #: SCS-CN-00112
Achievement Date: 09-01-2024 to 09-30-2024
Commitment Date: 10-01-2024 to 09-30-2026
Alpine Loop
Certification Scope: Validation of Apple Inc.'s 2025 declaration of commitment to Carbon Neutral Certification based on the Cradle-to-Grave Greenhouse Gas emission for its Alpine Loop product.
Certification Criteria: SCS-108 Certification Standard for Carbon Neutral Entities, Buildings, Products and Services: Version 1.1; ISO 14067:2018 Greenhouse gases - Carbon footprint of products - Requirements and guidelines for quantification.
Total Estimated Emissions Verified: 2.58 KGS OF CO₂e PER UNIT
Total Estimated Emissions to Offset: 2.58 KGS OF CO₂e PER UNIT
Carbon Neutral Certification Period: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026.
Certificate #: SCS-CN-00116
Achievement Date: 09-01-2024 to 09-30-2024
Commitment Date: 10-01-2024 to 09-30-2026
Trail Loop
Certification Scope: Validation of Apple Inc.'s 2025 declaration of commitment to Carbon Neutral Certification based on the Cradle-to-Grave Greenhouse Gas emission for its Trail Loop product.
Certification Criteria: SCS-108 Certification Standard for Carbon Neutral Entities, Buildings, Products and Services: Version 1.1; ISO 14067:2018 Greenhouse gases - Carbon footprint of products - Requirements and guidelines for quantification.
Total Estimated Emissions Verified: 1.77 KGS OF CO₂e PER UNIT
Total Estimated Emissions to Offset: 1.77 KGS OF CO₂e PER UNIT
Carbon Neutral Certification Period: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026.
Certificate #: SCS-CN-00111
Achievement Date: 09-01-2024 to 09-30-2024
Commitment Date: 10-01-2024 to 09-30-2026
Milanese Loop
Certification Scope: Validation of Apple Inc.'s 2025 declaration of commitment to Carbon Neutral Certification based on the Cradle-to-Grave Greenhouse Gas emission for its product consisting of Milanese Loop.
Certification Criteria: SCS-108 Certification Standard for Carbon Neutral Entities, Buildings, Products and Services: Version 1.1; ISO 14067:2018 Greenhouse gases - Carbon footprint of products - Requirements and guidelines for quantification.
Total Estimated Emissions Verified: 1.10 KGS OF CO₂e PER UNIT
Total Estimated Emissions to Offset: 1.10 KGS OF CO₂e PER UNIT
Carbon Neutral Certification Period: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026.
Certificate #: SCS-CN-10010
Achievement Date: 09-01-2024 to 09-30-2024
Commitment Date: 10-01-2024 to 09-30-2026
Titanium Milanese Loop
Certification Scope: Validation of Apple Inc.'s 2025 declaration of commitment to Carbon Neutral Certification based on the Cradle-to-Grave Greenhouse Gas emission for its product consisting of Titanium Milanese Loop.
Certification Criteria: SCS-108 Certification Standard for Carbon Neutral Entities, Buildings, Products and Services: Version 1.1; ISO 14067:2018 Greenhouse gases - Carbon footprint of products - Requirements and guidelines for quantification.
Total Estimated Emissions Verified: 0.90 KGS OF CO₂e PER UNIT
Total Estimated Emissions to Offset: 0.90 KGS OF CO₂e PER UNIT
Carbon Neutral Certification Period: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026.
Certificate #: SCS-CN-10009
Achievement Date: 09-01-2024 to 09-30-2024
Commitment Date: 10-01-2024 to 09-30-2026
Endnotes
- All cobalt in the battery claims or references use mass balance allocation.
- Read more about Apple's approach in Apple's Carbon Removal Strategy white paper.
- To model Braided Solo Loop and Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop (42mm and 46mm), the analysis conservatively assumes Sport Loop sufficiently represents the modeled carbon emissions of these select carbon neutral bands.
- Carbon reductions are calculated against a product-specific business-as-usual scenario modeled by Apple, considering factors like clean electricity use, material carbon intensity (2015 baseline), and transportation modes (FY 2017-2019 average).
- Greenhouse gas emissions were calculated using a life cycle assessment methodology in accordance with ISO 14040, 14044, and 14067 standards, covering the physical product, packaging, and in-box accessories.
- Apple uses credits from projects aligning with international standards such as Verra and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standard, ensuring credits are real, additional, measurable, quantified, and have systems to avoid double-counting and ensure permanence.
- Emissions savings from recycled or low-carbon materials are calculated by comparing current carbon intensity with the 2015 baseline. Quantified savings currently focus on recycled aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, lithium, cobalt, tungsten, and gold.
- For more information on Apple 2030, visit apple.com/2030.
