Google is stepping up its sustainability game with new goals for its own hardware products, the company announced today. Last year, the search giant had already set some goals in this regard, such as using recycled materials in all of its new products by 2022, but it reached that goal early, as all Pixel and Nest devices released this year use recycled materials to some extent.
In that light, Google is setting some more ambitious goals. For starters, the company is committing to using at least 50% recycled or renewable plastic materials across all of its products by 2025, with recycled materials being prioritized whenever possible.
On top of that, Google wants to achieve UL 2799 Zero Waste to Landfill certification for all of its final assembly facilities by 2022, ensuring the "vast majority" of the waste from its manufacturing processes are recycled. The certification in question requires at least 90% of waste materials to be diverted through methods other than waste, with varying levels of the certification being awarded for higher percentages, though Google didn"t point toward a more specific goal.
Finally, Google is committing to using completely plastic-free packaging that"s also 100% recyclable by 2025. it also renewed its commitment to ensure that shipping of its products to and from direct customers is carbon neutral.