Technology leader Apple has made a u-turn following its decision to remove products from green-rating system Epeat.
Last week, the retail giant announced its decision to pull out of its work with the global registry promoting green technology products, claiming it had made greater inroads into improving its eco rating in areas not managed by Epeat.
However, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Apple, Bob Mansfield, announced on the company‘s website that its position has changed.
“We‘ve recently heard from many loyal Apple customers who were disappointed to learn that we had removed our products from the Epeat rating system,” he said.
“I recognize that this was a mistake. Starting today, all eligible Apple products are back on Epeat.
“It‘s important to know that our commitment to protecting the environment has never changed, and today it is as strong as ever.”
Corporate social responsibility has proved increasingly important to retailers in recent years, with a huge majority implementing specific strategies to ensure that eco-friendly products are produced in an ethical way.
Last month, high street stalwart Marks and Spencer was named Responsible Business of the Year at the Business in the Community awards, recognized for its dedication to becoming the world‘s most sustainable retailer by 2015.
Ensuring that products are ethical and eco-friendly is a key concern for retailers as cash-strapped shoppers continue to expect high strandads of environmental efficiency and last week, the City of San Francisco boycotted all Apple products in protest against its decision to leave Epeat.
Mansfield explained that the decision to rejoin the scheme highlights the company‘s dedication to environmental issues.
“Apple makes the most environmentally responsible products in our industry,” he commented.
“In fact, our engineering teams have worked incredibly hard over the years to make our products even more environmentally friendly, and much of our progress has come in areas not yet measured by Epeat.
“Our team at Apple is dedicated to designing products that everyone can be proud to own and use.”
