Animal rights group PETA has declared Apple its 2023 Company of the Year, thanks to the iPhone maker's decision to stop offering leather accessories. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has been selecting its 2023 winners, recognizing businesses that set examples for others on environmental and animal cruelty issues.
In a blog post on Sunday, PETA praised Apple's efforts to eliminate leather from its product lineup and its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2023. The organization wrote that this "sets a huge example" for other large companies, while also meeting consumer demand for more sustainable products.
PETA believes that Apple "will save countless animals and help mitigate climate disaster." Instead, by offering only leather-free accessories, Apple "makes compassionate consumers feel good about purchasing products based on animals and the environment."
PETA also praised Apple's new FineWoven line of Apple Watch bands and iPhone cases, which use less carbon emissions than carbon-intensive leather during production.
While Apple is staying away from leather, it hasn't stopped accessory makers from using the material.