Apple suppliers accused of being a major polluter in China

The first accusations of heavy metal pollution flew at tech companies including Apple and its Chinese suppliers in April 2010, but unlike other tech companies, which have reportedly taken measures against it, Cupertino remained tight lipped about the issue. Now, more than a year after that, Ma Jun, the person who started the accusations serving as a director of a Chinese environmental group, was joined by five NGOs claiming that Apple has picked suppliers with a record of polluting the environment and is using them to take “advantage of the loopholes in developing countries’ environmental management systems”.

Among 29 mentioned brands, Apple is narrowed down as the only one, which is being non-responsive. Unlike previous times, the company, now led by Tim Cook, replied even before the report was released saying that the listed companies are not among its suppliers, but gave no further details. Apple doesn’t reveal its suppliers, but the Chinese environmentalists claim that they have used public information to make a list of 20 Apple manufacturers.

Previously, Ma Jun has also attacked the US-based phone maker for poor work safety and environmental standards, claiming that "We've found that Apple isn't honoring its commitment in ensuring its supply chain's work safety and environmental responsibility and giving dignity and respect to the workers.”

via The Financial Times