AC

Apple has told a prominent Chinese environmental activist that it will soon launch independent environmental audits of at least two suppliers' factories in China, the activist said. The audits come as Apple faces mounting criticism about toxic pollution and factory injuries at overseas suppliers' factories. The environmental reviews would be separate from an independent probe of working conditions at the China factories of Apple suppliers, including Foxconn Technology, that began last week. Ma Jun, founder of The Institute of Environmental and Public Affairs, told USA TODAY Monday in a phone interview that Apple agreed to the independent audits in late January in response to two reports that IPE and other environmental groups released last year documenting hazardous waste leaks and the use of toxic chemicals at suspected Apple suppliers. The audit, which could begin in March, will start with two suppliers, but might expand to others, said Ma, one of China's leading environmental...