Apple has refused to let the iPhone take part in O2’s ‘Eco Rating’ scheme in the UK, which aims to determine what phones on the marketplace leave the best and worst environmental footprint.
The scheme was launched with sustainability advisers Forum of the Future to rate phones on a one to five scale based on the ecological impact of their raw materials, their manufacturing process, packaging, how long they will last, energy efficiency and how easy it is to recycle them.
O2, which launched the rating system, stated that 93pc of the devices its customers used would be included.
However, the iPhone and RIM would not be included. RIM makers stated that they are supportive of the scheme and would take part in it next year.
Apple, however, refused to take part and highlighted its own online environmental reports.
However, companies such as Nokia also have their own sustainability reports online and they took part in the rating project.
Ronan Dunne, O2’s chief executive in the UK, noted the importance of green consumer technology.
“We know that sustainability is important for many of our customers and for the first time they will have the whole picture from which to make a full and balanced purchasing decision,” said Dunne.
Sony Ericsson scored the highest in the ratings. The Elm scored 4.3, while the Xperia x10 mini and the Zylo scored 4. The Samsung GT-S8500 also scored 4, as did the Nokia 1800, C7-00, 6700 sl and the 6700 c.
The lowest scored were the Palm Pre+ and the LG GW520/Etna3g, both scoring 2.7.
According to an O2 survey, 11.5pc of people said sustainability had a “strong influence” on what phone they would buy.
