Apple, LG, Nokia top green phone makers
updated 09:40 am EDT, Thu September 2, 2010
IDC says Apple tops LG, Nokia for green phones
A new IDC study today has put Apple at the top of environmental friendliness for phone makers. It managed to challenge other, ostensibly greener companies through the scale of its iPhone efforts. It offers recycling in 95 percent of the countries where the iPhone is sold; the company also has tighter control over the efficiency of its supply chain, and its co-founder Steve Jobs is often directly involved.
Others have also made serious efforts but sometimes have narrower focuses. Second-place LG has centered mostly on power management; Nokia's attention has centered on using mostly recyclable materials. Despite producing marketing-friendly green phones such as the Reclaim and Restore, Samsung has mostly focused on reducing the toxins in its phones, removing bromide flame retardants (BFRs) last year and plans to get rid of most others by the end of 2012. Sony Ericsson has its GreenHeart line but focuses mostly on packaging.
Design is a consideration in the entire group, though Apple is unique in making most of its current phones out of heavily recyclable materials. The iPhone 4 uses glass for both its front and back, and its frame is made of steel. Plastic is still used for the iPhone 3GS, but the less recyclable material is more common across its competitors.
