EPEAT is an environmental organization that is designed to ensure that electronic gadgets available in the market are environmental friendly. After thoroughly inspecting the product, it gives its ratings and certifies that the product meets the set standards required for recycling. After getting loads of criticism for this move, hardware SVP Bob Mansfield posted a letter on Apple’s website which read, “Many loyal Apple customers… were disappointed to learn that we had removed our products from the EPEAT rating system. I recognize that this was a mistake. Starting today, all eligible Apple products are back on EPEAT.” Though Apple has rolled back its decision, it has also made it clear that not all its products are available for rating. Actually, the problem with Apple is its glass displays and its batteries that are glued to the case which makes it difficult for the products to be recycled. This was also the main reason behind Apple’s withdrawal from EPEAT. As EPEAT CEO, Robert Frisbee said, ““If the battery is glued to the case, it means you can’t recycle the case and you can’t recycle the battery.” On the contrary, Apple has always highlighted its own energy efficiency and recycling programs, which is a good thing. Not only this, Apple has always made it a point to make its gadgets out of non toxic materials. Mansfield in his letter also mentioned that many of Apple’s green innovations have been in areas as-yet unexplored by EPEAT. Mansfield also wrote, “It’s important to know that our commitment to protecting the environment has never changed, and today it is as strong as ever. Our relationship with EPEAT has become stronger as a result of this experience, and we look forward to working with EPEAT as their rating system and the underlying IEEE 1680.1 standard evolve.” Colin Gillis, senior technology analyst at BGC Partners said, “Apple has a long history of being a cutting-edge design company and some of these processes involve state of the art components and manufacturing techniques. Its entire credo is to be pushing the envelope forward, and in our opinion it’s better to lose some sales rather than risk not having any at all.”
