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Apple is being sued for allegedly making misleading claims about the carbon neutrality of its watches.
Consumers claim that Apple has engaged in deceptive advertising concerning the environmental sustainability of the Apple Watch Series 9, SE, and Ultra 2.
Apple Inc. is currently confronted with a lawsuit from seven consumers who argue that the company's claim of carbon neutrality for the Apple Watch Series 9, SE, and Ultra 2 is misleading and untrue.
The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in a federal court in San Jose, California.
The plaintiffs, from California, Florida, and Washington, D.C., assert that they would not have purchased the smartwatches or would have chosen a less expensive option had they been aware of the alleged misrepresentations about the watches' environmental effects.
Apple launched these models in September 2023, highlighting their dedication to carbon neutrality through reduced emissions and investments in carbon offset initiatives.
A key element of the plaintiffs' case is the assertion that two carbon offset projects mentioned by Apple, which are tied to its corporate emissions goals, are ineffective in delivering actual carbon reductions.
The Chyulu Hills Project in Kenya reportedly includes land within a national park that has been safeguarded from deforestation since 1983. Furthermore, the Guinan Project in China is claimed to encompass regions that were already extensively forested before the project's commencement in 2015.
The lawsuit states, "In both instances, the carbon reductions would have taken place regardless of Apple's involvement or the existence of the projects."
Since Apple's claims of carbon neutrality depend on the effectiveness and validity of these projects, the lawsuit contends these claims are false and misleading.
Research referenced by the plaintiffs reveals that 70% of consumers in the U.S. and Canada view environmental sustainability as a vital factor in their buying choices, according to a study by the National Retail Federation and IBM.
As of Thursday, Apple had not provided any comments regarding the lawsuit.
Headquartered in Cupertino, California, the company has set an ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire operation, including its supply chain, by 2030.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and an injunction to stop Apple from promoting these three models as carbon neutral.
The case is officially titled Dib et al v Apple Inc, and is registered in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, case number 25-02043.
The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in a federal court in San Jose, California.
The plaintiffs, from California, Florida, and Washington, D.C., assert that they would not have purchased the smartwatches or would have chosen a less expensive option had they been aware of the alleged misrepresentations about the watches' environmental effects.
Apple launched these models in September 2023, highlighting their dedication to carbon neutrality through reduced emissions and investments in carbon offset initiatives.
A key element of the plaintiffs' case is the assertion that two carbon offset projects mentioned by Apple, which are tied to its corporate emissions goals, are ineffective in delivering actual carbon reductions.
The Chyulu Hills Project in Kenya reportedly includes land within a national park that has been safeguarded from deforestation since 1983. Furthermore, the Guinan Project in China is claimed to encompass regions that were already extensively forested before the project's commencement in 2015.
The lawsuit states, "In both instances, the carbon reductions would have taken place regardless of Apple's involvement or the existence of the projects."
Since Apple's claims of carbon neutrality depend on the effectiveness and validity of these projects, the lawsuit contends these claims are false and misleading.
Research referenced by the plaintiffs reveals that 70% of consumers in the U.S. and Canada view environmental sustainability as a vital factor in their buying choices, according to a study by the National Retail Federation and IBM.
As of Thursday, Apple had not provided any comments regarding the lawsuit.
Headquartered in Cupertino, California, the company has set an ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire operation, including its supply chain, by 2030.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and an injunction to stop Apple from promoting these three models as carbon neutral.
The case is officially titled Dib et al v Apple Inc, and is registered in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, case number 25-02043.
