Apple Watch Carbon Neutral Claim Challenged by German Court

Apple's Carbon Neutral Claim Challenged in German Court

Apple initially declared its Watch Series 9 as its inaugural carbon-neutral product two years prior. The company asserted that the entire lifecycle of the device – encompassing manufacturing, usage, and eventual disposal – would not contribute to global warming.

Legal Ruling and Emission Details

However, a German court has mandated that Apple retract this assertion. Investigations revealed that each aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10, both marketed as carbon-neutral, produces over 8 kilograms of carbon emissions.

Apple addresses these emissions by acquiring carbon credits, effectively offsetting its carbon footprint.

The Lawsuit and Apple's Response

The legal challenge was initiated by Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), a German environmental organization.

An Apple spokesperson communicated to TechCrunch, stating, “The Court has broadly upheld our rigorous approach to carbon neutrality.” They further emphasized the company’s dedication to reducing emissions through innovation in clean energy and low-carbon design, aiming for complete carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2030.

Concerns Regarding Carbon Credit Validity

The German judges specifically scrutinized the nature of Apple’s carbon credits. These credits are generated through eucalyptus tree planting initiatives in Paraguay.

A significant portion – three-quarters – of the project area is situated on leased land, with those leases expiring in 2029.

Violation of Competition Law

The court determined that this limited timeframe compromises the validity of Apple’s carbon-neutral claims and violates German competition law.

Consumers reasonably anticipate that forests utilized for carbon offsetting will remain intact for the long term, extending well into the future, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement to halt carbon emissions by the latter half of the century.

“Consumers would therefore assume that CO₂ compensation is secured for the advertised Apple Watch until about 2050,” explained the court chairwoman.

Risk of Deforestation and Impact on Carbon Neutrality

The possibility of these plantations being harvested before 2050 raises concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the carbon credits and undermines the claim of carbon neutrality.

Without extended lease agreements, the carbon offset benefits could be negated.

Update: Statement from Apple has been included.