The MacBook Neo sets a new standard for recycled content

Apple’s newly announced MacBook Neo might look like just another addition to the company’s laptop lineup. However, it quietly marks a significant milestone for Apple’s environmental goals.

According to Apple, the MacBook Neo contains 60% recycled content by weight. This is the highest percentage of recycled material used in any Apple product so far.

That figure is largely driven by the laptop’s enclosure. Apple says the MacBook Neo uses 90% recycled aluminium overall, paired with 100% recycled cobalt in the battery.

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The chassis is also produced using a more material-efficient forming process. This process uses 50% less aluminium compared to traditional machining methods. As a result, it helps push the recycled content figure even higher.

The 60% figure is calculated by weight and refers specifically to the device itself. Apple notes that the milestone doesn’t include packaging or in-box accessories, and it also excludes standalone accessories. Even with those caveats, it’s still the most recycled material Apple has ever used in a single product.

This push is part of Apple’s broader environmental strategy. The company has set a target of becoming fully carbon neutral by 2030. Increasing recycled materials in its devices is a key piece of that plan. Over the past few years Apple has gradually increased recycled aluminium, rare earth elements and battery materials. This has happened across products like the iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac.

The MacBook Neo appears to take that effort further than any previous device in Apple’s lineup. While most buyers will probably focus on the laptop’s specs or design, the materials story is clearly part of the pitch.

Pre-orders for the MacBook Neo are already open. Apple is positioning the device not just as a new laptop, but as another step toward making its hardware significantly more sustainable.