Apple removes carbon neutral label – but goals remain the same

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Apple has long been known for driving not only technological innovations but also sustainable solutions. The Apple Watch and Mac mini, in particular, were considered flagship models that met the "carbon neutral" claim. But suddenly, this term no longer appears on Apple's website and product packaging. At first glance, the change seems surprising, as Apple continues to emphasize its commitment to climate protection and pursues the goal of being completely carbon neutral by 2030.

The abandonment of the "carbon neutral" label is less a retreat from Apple's environmental goals, but rather a reaction to new legal requirements and court rulings. This underscores how strongly corporate public communication is shaped by laws and social debates. Apple is sticking to its plans but avoiding terms that may no longer be permitted or be misleading in the future.

What Apple means by “climate neutral”

Carbon neutral means that a product causes no net additional CO2 emissions. To achieve this goal, Apple relied on several factors. The Apple Watch Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Apple Watch Series 10, and the Mac mini with M4 chips met clear criteria. These included 100 percent clean electricity for the production and use of the product, at least 30 percent recycled or renewable materials by weight, and at least 50 percent of deliveries excluding air freight. Apple offset the remainder with carbon credits. To achieve this, the company worked with, among others, Forestal Apepu in Paraguay, where fast-growing eucalyptus forests are being created on deforested land. According to Apple, these measures resulted in a reduction of product emissions by at least 75 percent. The company offset the remaining emissions with high-quality credits.

Why the label is disappearing

Starting with the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, as well as the current Mac mini, the “climate neutral” label is no longer valid. Apple itself emphasizes that this does not mean that the devices are manufactured less sustainably. This step is related to two developments. Firstly, a new law will come into force in the European Union in September 2026. This law prohibits companies from using terms such as “climate neutral” or similar statements on packaging, in advertisements, and on product pages. Apple is already adapting its communications and removing the term worldwide to avoid having to make adjustments later. Secondly, a German court has ruled that the Apple Watch may no longer be advertised using the term. This was triggered by a lawsuit by an environmental organization that accused Apple of greenwashing. Critics argue that CO2-compensating plantations endanger biodiversity and can consume a lot of water.

Apple's environmental strategy remains in place

Despite these changes, Apple remains committed to its goals. Internally, the company continues to consider the newer models of the Apple Watch and the Mac mini to be carbon neutral. The removal of the label is intended to avoid potential confusion and comply with future regulatory requirements. Apple itself stated that it is proud of its achievements to date and remains on track to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2030. Every product is designed to minimize its impact on the environment, and this commitment remains unchanged, regardless of how legal requirements regarding communication evolve.

Apple reacts to laws, not to less climate protection

Apple is no longer advertising the Apple Watch and Mac mini as carbon-neutral, although the company 's strategy remains unchanged. The abandonment of the label is a response to new EU regulations and a German court ruling, not a reduction in climate protection efforts. Apple continues to focus on renewable energy, the use of recycled materials, reduced transportation emissions, and projects to offset residual emissions. This means its goal remains clear: By 2030, all Apple products and the entire supply chain will be carbon-neutral. (Image: Apple)