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In a bid to further enhance its commitment to environmental sustainability, Apple has made a significant announcement at its iPhone 15 event – the discontinuation of leather accessories for its products. This includes popular items like iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands, which have long been associated with luxury and style. Instead, the tech giant is introducing a new material called FineWove, poised to revolutionize the way we think about tech accessories.

The move away from leather is rooted in Apple’s acknowledgment of the serious environmental impact associated with this material, especially at the scale of production required by a company of Apple’s magnitude. The leather industry involves resource-intensive processes that contribute to deforestation, water Pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. On top of this, it negatively affects animals. By phasing out leather, Apple is taking a crucial step toward a more sustainable future.

FineWove, Apple’s innovative replacement for leather, retains the visual appeal of its leather counterparts while offering a more environmentally friendly alternative. The FineWoven bands, including the leather loop and “modern buckle” styles, promise to deliver the same level of style and sophistication that customers have come to expect from Apple’s accessories. Moreover, FineWoven will also be featured on this year’s iPhone cases, expanding its presence across a range of products.

The partnership between Apple and Hermès, known for its high-end fashion and leather products, will endure, but not without change. Hermès straps for the Apple Watch will no longer be made of leather. Instead, they will incorporate custom Hermès canvas, rubber, and other textiles. This shift signifies a growing awareness in the fashion industry about the need to embrace more sustainable materials.

Environmental consciousness doesn’t stop at watch bands; Apple has made several other eco-friendly changes to its products. The Sport Loop, for instance, now boasts 82 percent recycled yarn and is carbon neutral. This means that when you purchase the new Apple Watch Series 9 with the Sport Loop, the entire package leaves no carbon footprint. Similarly, the Nike sport band now contains “32 percent or more” recycled fluoroelastomer, while the Nike sport loop reuses yarn from previous seasons of bands. These initiatives underline Apple’s determination to minimize its environmental impact across its product range.

Apple’s focus on environmental sustainability has been a recurring theme in recent years, and it took center stage at the iPhone 15 event. The company’s decision to replace leather with FineWove and its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through recycled materials demonstrate a firm commitment to mitigating the environmental challenges facing our planet.

As consumers, we play a pivotal role in this journey toward a greener future. By embracing products made with sustainable materials like FineWove and supporting companies like Apple in their efforts to reduce their environmental impact and stop harming animals, we can collectively contribute to a healthier planet.

Sign this petition to put a stop to animal leather. 

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