Apple's efforts to cut supply chain emissions face persistent challenges among printed circuit board manufacturers. Growing demand for advanced components used in AI and high-performance computing is increasing electricity and water consumption. Requirements from Apple and Google are prompting suppliers to publish sustainability reports and buy renewable electricity, but purchased power accounts for nearly 60% of the PCB industry's emissions.
Suppliers also face difficulties changing materials, as lower-carbon alternatives do not yet meet the performance requirements of advanced boards and require extensive testing before adoption. The matter presents a challenge for Apple's requirement that its direct manufacturing suppliers use 100% renewable electricity for Apple production before 2030.
Source: MacRumors · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing