Google has also committed to using recycled or renewable material in at least 50% of all plastic used across all its hardware products by 2025
Realizing the sheer impact that they have on the environment, big tech companies have actively been working on reducing their carbon footprint. In 2019, Google promised that by 2022 all its products would include recycled materials. But it seems like Google has hit the goal a bit early as it claims that their new products - including the Pixel 5 - have been designed with recycled materials.
To show its commitment to fighting climate change, Google has announced a new goal to make its product packaging entirely plastic-free and recyclable by 2025.
"As we continue to experience the effects of climate change across the world and in our own backyards, being responsible for our impact on the environment and in our community is essential," Google sustainability systems architect David Bourne wrote in a blog post.
The company, which already boasts 100 percent carbon neutral shipping of “Made by Google” hardware, has less than five years to reduce its plastic use. "We have a lot of hard work ahead in order to meet this new goal," the company stated. "To get us there, we need to uncover alternative, recyclable materials that will still protect our products. It will take partnering with our suppliers, tinkering in the lab, and sharing learnings across the industry, but we'll get there."
The back cover of the new Pixel 5 is made with 100 percent recycled aluminum, helping to reduce waste and lower the manufacturing carbon footprint. The new “Nest Audio” speakers also contain 70 percent recycled plastic, and are covered in the same sustainable fabric introduced with 2019's “Nest Mini”; the latest “Nest Thermostat” , meanwhile, features a trim plate comprising 75 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
Having achieved their goal earlier than planned, Google is now updating its original goal. They now plan to use recycled or renewable material in at least 50% of all plastic used across hardware products by 2025. “Our new 50 percent commitment raises the bar well beyond industry standards. We hope this is a milestone on the path to a future where we design out waste and pollution and keep materials in use longer,” the company added.
Google’s focus on incorporating recycled materials in its hardware design not only supports its sustainability commitments but also enables its supply chain partners to confidently invest in and develop these types of materials.
All of this work is part of the firm’s commitment to “eliminate” its carbon legacy, covering all of its operational emissions before it became carbon neutral in 2007.
As part of this, Google is investing in technologies to help partners and people all over the world to make sustainable choices and to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy in all of its data centers and campuses worldwide.
The company estimates that its commitment will directly generate more than 20,000 new jobs in clean energy and associated industries globally by 2025.
Finally, Google says it is working toward achieving zero waste-to-landfill certification at all of its final assembly manufacturing sites by 2022, meaning the majority of waste from those operations will be recycled.
Sources: