Apple Retires Leather Use as It Focuses on 'FineWoven' Material: Shift Comes with 68% Post-Consumer Recycled Material

Urian B., Tech Times 12 September 2023, 10:09 pm

Apple is ditching its use of leather for different cases from its iPhones to Apple Watches. This comes as the company decides to push the use of FineWoven, which is said to have different properties compared to conventional leather.

Apple Ditches Leather in Favor for New FineWoven Material that's More Environmentally Friendly

According to the story by Giz Modo, Apple has just recently announced that it would be ditching the use of leather when it comes to creating cases and bands. This means no more iPhone cases or Apple Watch bands made out of leather.

This also applies to other accessories as well and the reason why Apple is reportedly doing this is due to its outsized carbon footprint. However, Apple noted that it will be transitioning to a reliance on FineWoven, which is a different type of material.

FineWoven is reportedly made up of 68% post-consumer recycled material and the decision to ditch leather comes as just one of many measures that Apple noted has decided to take. This comes as the company is trying to move closer to its environmental goals, as also noted in an article by Mashable.

Apple Pushes Toward Creating Carbon-Neutral Tech Products with FineWoven having 'Suede-Like' Texture

As also reported in an article by The Verge, the goals that Apple is trying to move toward include being able to create sustainable tech products that are also carbon-neutral. So far the company's main description of the new FineWoven material is that it has a "suede-like" texture.

Apple also described it as soft and that it would still come with different color options for buyers to choose from. An example of other options can be seen in the Apple Watch where users are given the option to choose between the Modern Buckle bands and the Magnetic Link bands.

It was also noted that FineWoven would also be used for the iPhone 15 and can also support the use of the MagSafe ecosystem and even third-party products. This means that the FineWoven material won't hamper how the users can utilize the device.

Apple Works with Nike and Hermes to Create More Environmentally Friendly Bands

The article by Giz Modo highlights how Apple isn't sacrificing its style when it comes to switching from leather to FineWoven material. Apple notes that it has even worked with other bands like Nike and Hermes to be able to produce third-party bands that are also sustainable.

When it comes to Nike, the Sports band would come with 32% more recycled fluoroelastomer, which refers to the type of material used for the device that feels like rubber. It was also noted that although the switch to FineWoven from leather might not seem significant, it is still a significant step towards creating a product that's carbon neutral.

It was also noted that the band is also something easily noticeable by consumers. Apple is reportedly also working with different manufacturers behind the scenes in order to use 100% clean energy to power its facilities.