In the documentary "The Ocean," there are scenes where piles of abandoned fishing nets are either left on the beach or sink to the seabed due to ocean currents. Various marine organisms are trapped in the densely woven netting. The more they struggle, the tighter the fishing nets entangle them, eventually leading to suffocation and death. According to a UNEP report, there are currently approximately 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste in the ocean, accounting for 85% of the total marine garbage by weight. Without effective measures, it is estimated that by 2040, the annual amount of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems will nearly double, reaching 23 to 37 million tons per year. Data released by the China Small Animal Protection Association shows that "ghost nets" account for 10% of marine plastic waste. Globally, about 140,000 sea turtles, dolphins, and whales are entangled in "ghost nets" and face a fourfold higher risk of being killed compared to other marine debris combined. Let's take a look at how major brands are contributing.
In the first half of this year, Huawei launched the HUAWEI Watch 4 Blue Earth Special Edition, paying tribute to the azure planet. It features a unique blue titanium alloy case and the industry's first recycled nylon composite strap. The packaging box is FSC certified, and the compact packaging further protects the forests. The recycled nylon composite strap's surface fabric fibers are made from recycled fishing nets and textiles, ensuring both stiffness and comfort while also saving energy and reducing emissions. The choice of materials and the name symbolize Earth conservation.
In the early hours of September 13th, Beijing time, Apple announced the launch of the first batch of carbon-neutral products in its Apple Watch series during its fall product launch. Compared to 2015, greenhouse gas emissions during the production of each carbon-neutral Apple Watch have been reduced by over 75%.
Apple stated that in the manufacturing process of each carbon-neutral Apple Watch, 100% clean energy is used, with recycled or renewable materials accounting for 30% of the total weight, and 50% of product transportation not involving air transport.
Apple mentioned that all suppliers responsible for manufacturing components for Apple's carbon-neutral watches have committed to using 100% clean energy in the relevant production processes of all Apple products by the end of 2030. In Apple's entire product line, over 300 global suppliers have joined Apple's Supplier Clean Energy Program, accounting for over 90% of Apple's manufacturing-related direct expenditures.
In China, 14 additional companies have pledged to use clean energy starting from April 2023, including Jingmen GEM, a supplier responsible for providing key recycled materials for Apple products. The electrostatic separation system used for producing recycled plastics by Jingmen GEM is customized by Dongguan Wandful Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. The company produces equipment for recycled plastic separation, including plastic cleaning lines, air separation units, crushers, washing machines, silicon machines, and electromagnetic sorting machines.
For the first time, Apple is using 100% recycled cobalt in the batteries of iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The loop-style sports strap, redesigned to include 82% recycled yarn, contains materials from discarded fishing nets.
