Chinese environmental group says Apple has 'changed a lot' since 2010
China's Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs has been critical of Apple, particularly following a report in 2010 that accused it along with 28 other companies of environmental problems. Among those 29 companies, Apple was the only one that did not respond.
But that changed after a new report last September, according to The Wall Street Journal. Apple's new, more communicative approach has been met positively by Wang Ding, vice director for the IPE.
She spoke out this week after it was revealed that Apple will conduct a pollution audit of an unnamed supplier that makes printed circuit boards. Apple announced in February that it would allow independent environmental audits of factories run by its component suppliers in China.
"We think they have changed a lot, especially that they are opening up and allowing an audit like this," Ma said. "It's a good start and a good change, but we will watch closely to see what happens and if they maintain this more open attitude."
Apple met with Chinese environmental groups last November to discuss concerns they have had about pollution. Previously, some reports criticized Apple and accused the company of using loopholes in the system that led to excessive pollution.
Apple's more open approach regarding its overseas suppliers has come under the watch of Tim Cook, who took over as the company's chief executive last August. Cook even went as far as to personally visit an iPhone assembly plant operated by Foxconn when he visited China in March.
In addition to the new environmental audits, Apple has also stepped up reviews of its suppliers with respect to workplace safety and workers' rights. Last month, an independent audit by the Fair Labor Association found a number of violations at Foxconn that the company vowed to fix.
24 Comments
China's Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs has been critical of Apple, particularly following a report in 2010 that accused it along with 28 other companies of environmental problems. Among those 29 companies, Apple was the only one that did not respond.
Pot, kettle, black.
First, Apple does not employ any manufacturing employees in China. Why in the world isn't the above institute asking the actual companies involved for information? Maybe that's why Apple didn't respond.
Furthermore, anyone who has ever traveled in China knows that this is all a subterfuge. The pollution levels are so far beyond anything that someone from a developed nation would consider acceptable that it's ridiculous. The amount of pollution from an assembly operation is going to be completely insignificant.
Ths is Foxconn's problem, not Apple's. Should this group send me a complaint because I buy Chinese-made goods from some company in China witha less-than-stellar record?
Furthermore, anyone who has ever traveled in China knows that this is all a subterfuge. The pollution levels are so far beyond anything that someone from a developed nation would consider acceptable that it's ridiculous.
Good points. You've convinced me that Apple is doing nothing better than before.
So to be clear, when Apple was the one that “did not respond...” that means the other companies made “statements” with “words,” while Apple merely “changed things” with “actions”?
Ths is Foxconn's problem, not Apple's. Should this group send me a complaint because I buy Chinese-made goods from some company in China witha less-than-stellar record?
Yes—as a buyer of products, I DO want to know if the place it came from is worth factoring into my buying decision. We consumers have power—why give it up without even knowing the facts?
And Apple in turn has power over Foxconn, and relies upon them in turn, so it IS in part Apple’s problem. Not total power, but a lot. Witness their successes with labor practices, while other tech companies cover up their own labor situations and do nothing.
So to be clear, when Apple was the one that ?did not respond...? that means the other companies made ?statements? with ?words,? while Apple merely ?changed things? with ?actions??
Yes?as a buyer of products, I DO want to know if the place it came from is worth factoring into my buying decision. We consumers have power?why give it up without even knowing the facts?
And Apple in turn has power over Foxconn, and relies upon them in turn, so it IS in part Apple?s problem. Not total power, but a lot. Witness their successes with labor practices, while other tech companies cover up their own labor situations and do nothing.
I think it's great that Apple has the clout to tell a supplier to shape up. In the end, it's a PR stunt on Apple's part. I stand by my belief that the Chinese government is simply ignoring its responsibility to police companies.
I too factor origins in my purchases. I actually go out of my way to avoid buying Chinese goods when possible. It's almost an impossibility in today's global environment, but I try doing my part.