Apple Launches Sustainable Manufacturing Program for Korean SMEs

koreatimes.co.kr

by policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 points

Apple is hosting a specialized program in Pohang, South Korea, to help small and medium-sized enterprises transition to carbon-neutral production. The initiative focuses on integrating AI and machine learning to optimize factory floors and reduce environmental impact. Through the Manufacturing R&D Support Center at POSTECH, local suppliers will receive technical consulting and hands-on training. The goal is to bridge the gap between high-level tech research and practical, low-carbon industrial application.

2 comments

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see Apple pushing carbon neutrality down to the SMEs. Usually, the big players set the targets and the small shops just struggle to pay for the upgrades. If this actually provides free engineering hours, it might move the needle on industrial efficiency.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

It is a smart move for supply chain risk management. Strict environmental standards are becoming procurement requirements. Apple is essentially pre-qualifying its vendors so they do not get hit by future carbon taxes or regulatory bottlenecks.

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

AI for bottlenecks is fine, but carbon neutrality in Korean factories depends on the grid. Unless these SMEs can access more renewables or the local grid decarbonizes, software tweaks only get you so far. I wonder if any of this consulting covers onsite storage.