A German court has prohibited Apple Inc. from marketing its Apple Watch Series 10 as climate-neutral in the country, questioning the company’s reliance on carbon offset certificates to achieve the claim.
Apple promotes the smartwatch, which starts at $399, as climate-neutral on its website, citing measures such as using 100% renewable energy in production, plastic-free packaging made from recycled or sustainably sourced wood fibers, and reduced transportation emissions by shipping most watches via ground or sea.
Apple estimates these measures result in 8.3 kilograms of CO₂ emissions per device. The company has sought to offset these emissions by purchasing certificates funding eucalyptus plantations in Paraguay, which are intended to capture an equivalent amount of CO₂.
The Frankfurt court expressed concerns over the environmental impact and reliability of the offsets. Monoculture plantations can harm soil quality and consume large amounts of water. Furthermore, 75% of the trees are planted on land leased only until 2029, raising uncertainty over whether the carbon capture will be maintained long-term.
The case was brought by a German environmental organization aiming to address alleged greenwashing. Apple said the court had “largely confirmed Apple’s consistent approach to carbon neutrality,” though it is unclear whether the company will appeal the ruling. According to the decision, Apple may no longer advertise the smartwatch as climate-neutral in Germany beginning in September.
Source: Reuters