Corporate Knights

Why Apple Manufactures in Asia- Comment

The Economist

An interesting look at the economics behind Apple’s choice to locate its plants abroad. Granted, it’s a neoliberal view. (At one point, the author touts that the company, despite its faults, has created thousands of jobs in Asia. Let’s put aside its sustainability issues and the rash of suicides of facility workers two years ago.) All the same, we learned some new things from this piece: detailed information on the supply chain, and even a perspective on what Apple manufacturing jobs in America would do to the economy.

Breakdown of Violations in Report

Evertiq

Apple released its 2012 sustainability report a few days ago. We brought it to you in one of our last Roundups, but here’s something even better. The author here has combed through the report to highlight what everyone wants to see—the problems. Not because we like watching train wrecks, but because (let’s be honest) we have iEverythings and we want to know exactly what the issues are, and what the company is doing to address them. Check out the bullet-point lists. Then tally them for your friends in casual discussions. They’ll envy your ability to dissect corporate reports.

Is the Company Really Sustainable?

Sustainable Business Forum

Dave Meyer is not pleased. He knows Apple is all about “sustainability” these days, but is it really? The report came out, the company is getting more transparent, and its accountability to customers is going up. So what gives? Among other things, Meyer says the problems include polluting the environment and a case of the hot air balloon—blowing big promises but accomplishing naught.

And Apple’s got Competition

Reuters

Apple had a good growth year, and entered 2012 with promise. But its competition is heating up. Cheaper versions of touch-screen iPad-esque tablets are on the market, and for a fraction of the price. The fear is that people soon just won’t be able to fork over the half-grand for the iPad. Then what? We think a follow-up article should look at the possible environmental impacts of so much cheap competition. And how can these companies afford the rock-bottom prices—without the same level of transparency and accountability, what is happening to the workers?

A Year in Review

IT World Canada

For all you video-loving readers out there, here’s a short feature on Apple’s journey last year. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer. Then you’ll go on your iPad to check the news while texting on your iPhone, while simultaneously listening to music on your iPod and drinking iCoffee. Wait, what?