2017 Supplier Responsibility Progress Report

In 2016, Apple continued to increase their efforts with their suppliers.

They performed 705 comprehensive site audits, their largest number to date.

Their suppliers demonstrated an improved ability to meet their stringent standards.

In fact, the number of highperforming supplier sites increased by 59 percent, while low-performing sites decreased by 31 percent.

Apple has improved their working hours compliance to 98 percent, and achieved 100 percent UL Zero Waste to Landfill validation for all final assembly sites in China for the first time, and achieved 100 percent compliance with their Regulated Substances Specification for process chemicals at all final assembly sites.

They have also tripled the number of supplier sites participating in their energy efficiency program, resulting in the reduction of more than 150,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.

A number of large suppliers have already committed to power all Apple manufacturing with renewable energy by the end of 2018. Ultimately, their goal is to equip their suppliers with the capability to one day independently uphold all labor and human rights protections, and maintain effective health, safety, and environmental practices in their own operations.

At the center of Apple's supply chain operations are the dedicated people who make their products. Apple remains dedicated in seeking new ways to support their supply chain talent and help improve their lives both during and beyond the workday.

In 2016, Apple partnered with their suppliers to train more than 2.4 million workers on their rights as employees. Since 2008, over 2.1 million people have participated in Apple’s Supplier Employee Education and Development (“SEED”) program.

They also expanded their educational programs to include worker-focused mobile platforms, providing 80,000 workers with English skills training, and nearly 260,000 workers completed Environment, Health & Safety (“EHS”) courses.

In 2016, Apple expanded their responsible sourcing efforts beyond conflict minerals to include cobalt. Today, Apple reports that 100 percent of their conflict minerals and cobalt smelter/refiner partners are now participating in independent third-party audits to ensure their own business practices are conducted responsibly.

Apple's commitment to responsible sourcing will not waiver and thet continue to drive their standards deep in their supply chain.

Although this is a report about Apple's 2016 accomplishments, they know there’s always work to be done. By holding our suppliers accountable to the highest standards and partnering with them to make lasting change, Apple remains steadfast in their  commitment to improve lives and protect the environment.

2017 Supplier Responsibility Progress Report Hightlights