IFA Roundup 3: How sustainable is Apple, for example, when it comes to its devices?

You can clearly see that Apple is trying to move in a more sustainable direction. The company has committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products and increasingly uses recycled materials in its devices and packaging. However, a large portion of Apple AirPods still consists of non-recycled plastics and other materials that are difficult to recycle.

One of the biggest sustainability challenges with AirPods is their limited lifespan and difficult repairability. Apple does offer a recycling program for AirPods, allowing customers to return old devices so that materials can be reused or disposed of properly. However, the actual rate at which AirPods are recycled remains relatively low.

My opinion on this:

We cannot place all responsibility solely on manufacturers. Every step toward sustainability—no matter how small—has its value.

I often think about the 5 R’s of sustainability (even though more “R’s” are occasionally added):

Refuse: refuse unnecessary consumption. You do not need to follow every advertisement or trend. Avoid excessive packaging and plastic whenever possible. Bring your own bags.

Repair: repair products whenever possible. Devices should be designed to be repairable, and repairs should be offered and performed. This is an area where we make a big difference.

Reuse: use products that can be used multiple times rather than disposable alternatives.

Recycle: buy products that can be recycled at the end of their life and dispose of them properly so the materials can be reused.

Rethink: rethink consumption habits. This does not mean “going back to the cave,” but it does mean living and enjoying life more consciously.

Today we had a very old and heavily used pair of headphones on the workbench for repair—17 years of intensive use, and then one channel stopped working. It received a new headband, new drivers, new ear pads, and a new transport case.

Now the device is ready for the next 17 years. This kind of sustainability brings us great joy.

And after our impressions from the IFA Berlin, we can only make one appeal:

Let us all think a little more carefully about what we buy, when we buy it, why we buy it—and what we plan to do with it afterward.

With that in mind: enjoy your favorite music with the most sustainable products on the market. 🎧🌍