China Investigating Two Apple Suppliers Amid Claims Of Pollution
by Joe White
August 5, 2013
Two of Apple's China-based suppliers, Foxconn and UniMicron, have been accused of releasing toxins into local rivers, according to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal.
The accusations come from Chinese activist Ma Jun and five separate non-profit organizations, and have forced China to investigate both companies in a bid to uncover the truth. According to Ding Yudong, vice president of the country's local environmental regulator, an area 40 miles west of Shanghai, called Kunshan, is presently being examined.
If either Foxconn or UniMicron is found to be "severely exceeding emissions standards," a punishment will be imposed. It is specifically claimed that both companies are releasing toxic metals into rivers, in a dangerous (and unauthorized) move that could injure local residents.
Apple seems to be having a hard time keeping its suppliers in check. One week ago, the Cupertino, Calif. company was forced to comment on the practises of its Taiwan-based supplier Pegatron, which was recently accused of violating workers' rights in its Chinese plants. In previous years, Foxconn has also been criticized for its unethical treatment of employees.
This time around, an Apple spokesperson has told The Wall Street Journal that it always aims to ensure that its suppliers adhere to local environmental standards, and added that it regularly checks on companies such as Foxconn and UniMicron in this capacity.
We'll let you know if authorities in China draw any conclusions from their investigation of Foxconn and UniMicron.
In the meantime, see: Spotify Trumps iTunes Radio With Curated Playlists For Every Moment And Mood, Keep On Running: Maze Of Darkness Launches For iOS, and Eligible iDevice Owners Now Receiving Emails For Liquid Damage Suit Payout.
