Apple Inc. is taking delivery this month of the first batch of carbon-free aluminum produced by a Montreal venture, helping move the iPhone maker closer to its greenhouse-gas reduction goal.
Elysis, a joint venture between Rio Tinto Group and Alcoa Corp. backed by Apple, uses new technology that emits pure oxygen when producing aluminum. Apple has said in an environment report that 80% of its emissions from an iPhone 8 came during the production phase. The metal is also used in iPads, Macs and Apple watches.
“For more than 130 years, aluminum — a material common to so many products consumers use daily — has been produced the same way,” Lisa Jackson, vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives at Apple, said in an emailed statement.
Rio’s commercial network is handling the first delivery to Apple, a Rio spokesman said.
“This is another important step towards zero carbon aluminum and a more sustainable future,” said Alf Barrios, Rio Tinto Aluminum chief executive officer.