Apple to open inspections on suppliers for pollution concerns

Technology giant Apple is set to audit one of the company’s supplier factories in China in conjunction with a Chinese environmental group.

The move could be an indication of future inspections on all its suppliers for pollution concerns. The Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE) will conduct the research with Apple, which is set to be carried out at the end of this month at a manufacturer of printed circuit boards.

The initial audit is only a pilot project, but environmental groups are optimistic that Apple will agree to more of the same in the future. Wang Jing Jing, vice director for the Chinese environmental group said: "We think this is a very positive step made by Apple.

"We hope this won't simply be a pilot project, but that more open inspections will continue."

Apple already release annual progress report that details steps made towards improving health and safety as well as environmental impacts. The company has recently released the names of its suppliers for the first time, suggesting that they may also be subjected to the same tests.

Posted by Claire Manning