Apple Named Company Of The Year By PETA For Replacing Leather

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Apple is catching the ‘i’ of the folks at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The tech giant, whose fame lies in its innovation in electronics, is now being hailed as the “Company of the Year” by the animal rights group for making a positive impact in the realm of environmental sustainability. This recognition comes hot on the heels of Apple’s bold decision to eliminate leather accessories from its product line, a step that aligns with its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

PETA, which referred to Apple as the “Apple of [its] eye,” has given a nod of approval to the new FineWoven lineup of Apple Watch straps, iPhone cases, and wallets that ditch traditional, carbon-intensive leather products in favor of a proprietary material with a soft, suedelike texture.

The FineWoven material, made from recycled components, boasts “significantly lower” emissions than traditional leather, making it a win-win for both the environment and animal welfare.

“The company’s decision to say ‘adIOS’ to leather—a cruelly obtained coproduct of the meat industry—will spare countless animals and help mitigate the climate catastrophe,” PETA applauds. “The brand will instead offer leather-free accessories, allowing compassionate consumers to feel good about purchasing animal and eco-friendly products.”

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The environmental impact of leather from cows’ skin heavily contributes to water pollution, water depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions, far more than its synthetic or plant-based vegan leather counterparts, says PETA, citing research from the Higg Materials Sustainability Index. Moreover, cattle ranching for leather demands large-scale deforestation, particularly in sensitive ecosystems like the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.

The leather-making process itself is energy-intensive and involves a plethora of dangerous chemicals, including mineral salts, formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, and even cyanide-based substances. These factors make the switch to sustainable alternatives not just an ethical choice but a natural next step.

Image via PETA

Apple’s pivot to sustainable and cruelty-free products is timely, meeting a growing desire for goods that are both friendly to users and the planet.

[via AppleInsider, Benzinga, PETA, images via various sources]