Sustainability Comparison

Apple Inc. vs Samsung Electronics Sustainability: SINK Score Comparison

Apple Inc. scores 14 points higher than Samsung Electronics on SINK's sustainability index.

Question-by-question

How each category compares

Category
Apple
Samsung
Carbon Footprint — Operations
8/10
7/10
Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain
7/10
6/10
Emissions Trajectory
7/10
2/10
Energy Source
8/10
5/10
Nature & Biodiversity Impact
6/10
4/10
Resource Use & Waste
7/10
6/10
Water Impact
6/10
7/10
Targets & Commitments
7/10
3/10
Transparency & Accountability
7/10
6/10
Controversies & Red Flags
6/10
4/10
Frequently asked

Apple Inc. vs Samsung Electronics, answered.

Which is more sustainable, Apple Inc. or Samsung Electronics?

Apple Inc. is more sustainable according to SINK's open sustainability index, scoring 42/100 vs Samsung Electronics's 28/100 — a difference of 14 points.

What is Apple Inc.'s SINK sustainability score?

Apple Inc. scores 42/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Apple has cut absolute emissions 60% since 2015 and achieved 100% renewable electricity in operations, backed by third-party verification. However, supply chain decarbonization remains incomplete—key suppliers like Pegatron sit at 47% renewable energy. A German court ruled Apple's carbon-neutral claims misleading due to weak offset permanence, exposing greenwashing risk.

What is Samsung Electronics's SINK sustainability score?

Samsung Electronics scores 28/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Significant gaps). Samsung discloses emissions comprehensively but is failing to reduce them. Operational emissions rose 7.8% in 2024; total emissions including supply chain increased despite net-zero rhetoric. The company's 2050 net-zero target covers only 16% of emissions and lacks SBTi validation. Unvalidated targets, late Scope 3 disclosure, and planned massive semiconductor expansion undermine credibility.

How does SINK compare Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics?

Both companies are rated on the same 10-question SINK rubric: Scope 1/2/3 carbon footprint, energy source, nature and biodiversity, resource use, water, emissions trajectory, science-based targets, transparency, and controversies. Scores are 0–100, based on public data, and fully reproducible.

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