Apple has ‘Green’ Sheen for Gartmore

Apple, the manufacturer of the Mac computer and the iconic iPod, is burnishing its green credentials as signposted by ‘A Greener Apple’ banner on its Website.

The company has committed to eliminate completely the use of toxic chemicals Brominated Fire Retardants (BFRs) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) by the end of 2008.

This has earned Apple plaudits from Greenpeace, the global environmental pressure group. Apple began phasing out PVC 12 years ago and began restricting BFRs in 2001. With its commitment to eradicate these chemicals completely by the end of 2008, Apple will have stolen a march on its competitors, according to Greenpeace.

By 2010, Apple believes it may be recycling significantly more than either Dell or HP as a percentage of past sales weight. The company is also pledging that the e-waste collected in North America will be processed in the US and not shipped overseas for disposal.

“Corporate sustainability, including improved environmental management practices and efficient use of natural resources, can help a company to deliver superior investment performance”, according to Neil Rogan, manager of the Gartmore Global Focus Fund and the Gartmore SICAV Global Focus Fund.

Moreover, he believes that, “Apple’s computer business continues to offer upside, especially as the company is winning over converts from Windows-based PCs”. Apple is held by both the Gartmore Global Focus Fund and the Gartmore SICAV Global Focus Fund.