Apple faces shareholder action targeting repair policy
ESCRAP NEWS
Updated: September 16, 2021
by Colin Staub
An environment-focused investment firm this month filed a shareholder resolution with Apple, asking the OEM to move away from its “restrictive” product repair policies.
Green Century Capital Management on Sept. 9 announced the shareholder proposal. Through the resolution process, Apple shareholders may be asked to vote on the measure at the company’s annual shareholder meeting. Apple shares make up 3.71% of one fund managed by Green Century, which is based in Portland, Maine.
“Investors are extremely concerned about Apple’s disingenuous combination of promoting environmental sustainability while inhibiting product repair,” Green Century President Leslie Samuelrich said in a release. “The company risks losing its reputation as a climate leader if it does not cease its anti-repair practices.”
The announcement acknowledged Apple has grown its independent network. But Green Century said the OEM “continues to earn criticism not only for denying consumers and independent repair shops access to repair materials but also designing products in such a way that hinders repair.”