Apple pull out of green-tech EPEAT rating program: Retina MacBook to blame?
Apple have pulled out of the the EPEAT certification program that highlights consumer tech products that are notable for the environmental friendliness.
Backed by the US government, EPEAT rewards manufacturers whose products are easily recyclable and energy efficient. Apple have long been card-carrying EPEAT members, with the late Steve Jobs always quick to highlight the company’s eco-aware strengths. However, Apple’s days as a leading light for the programme are now drawing to a close, with the Cupertino brand asking the agency to pull the certification from all 39 of its applicable products. Apple have cited a change in design direction as the cause.
“They said their design direction was no longer consistent with the EPEAT requirements,” Robert Frisbee EPEAT CEO said.
“They were important supporters and we are disappointed that they don’t want their products measured by this standard anymore.”
The new MacBook Pro with Retina Display is thought to be the product that has made Apple leave the programme. EPEAT certification requires that a device must be easily recyclable, but the manufacturing processes used to cram the super-svelte new laptop full of high-end components mean that it is nearly impossible to dismantle without damaging the parts that could be recycled. The new MacBook’s RAM for instance cannot be upgraded since it is soldered into the machine.
Via: WSJ
