Quick Question
Product designer Connie Yang is hoping to make Apple packaging totally plastic-free.
For so many complicated reasons, thats not true.
You have a background in sustainability, particularly in outdoor equipment.
What made Apple appeal to you?
Going to Apple was easy because of [its] values.
Apple asks really bold questions.
They tackle big problems, and theres this longstanding commitment to the environment.
I challenge the notion that you have to be at a nonprofit.
Meaningful work can happen anywhere.
It comes down to [whether] your values are reflected in the company.
This kind of value-driven work requires a lot of initiative.
Its not that the company was just born out of the womb that way.
And getting that buy-in [from the company] is so important.
Whats inspiring you in the world of sustainability right now?
Theres a lot of exciting stuff going on in the packaging world.
Its changing the whole paradigm.
Apple aims to eliminate plastic from all packaging by 2025, and youve already made significant progress toward that.
What would dream packaging look like for you?
At Apple, one of [our big focuses] is user experience in opening products up.
The product is not just thrown in there without thought.
I know youre using a fiber replacement material in place of plastic.
For instance, in iPhone 14, theres no more shrink-wrap or plastic wrap over the box.
There are pull tabs on the back, which give better accessibility.
You just have to pull the tabs to open it.
It sounds like a win-win.
What obstacles stand in your way, or in Apples way, of reaching these big sustainability goals?
The biggest challenge is that theres not a great blueprint for doing this.
Were inventing new materials.
Thats a big challenge, but one thats super fun and feels really impactful.
How can other people follow in those footsteps?
At the company level, I think making public commitments is a great forcing function.
It shows you care and that youre willing to do hard things.
Should that be a surprise to us?
No, it should not.
We have to really question, why do we have this?
Is this a value?
We have one Earth.
Who are we waiting for?
On the note of words of wisdom, whats the best advice youve ever been given?
Know what it’s possible for you to control versus what you cannot.
Is there any bad advice youve been given?
I want to call BS on that.
Yes, put your head down to work, but also advocate for yourself.
People cant read your mind as to what you want.
Know what rejuvenates you and keep that holy in your life.
Sometimes adding the activities that give you joy, even though it’s adding, can feel like subtracting.
It gives you more peace or stability.
I love to surf, I love to spend time in nature.
I take a stab at do that as often as possible.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Correction: A previous version of this story mischaracterized the scope of Yangs role.
It has been updated to accurately reflect her position.
This article was originally published onApril 22, 2023
