The Revival of AirPods Even Apple Has Given Up On

Park Jeonghun, CEO of Ripot, Launches AirPods Recycling Business
"Collecting AirPods Like PET Bottles Can Achieve Environmental Protection Effects"

"Seeing AirPods sold worldwide being discarded after about two years of use made me think that we need to engage in recycling business for environmental protection."

This is the reason why Park Jeonghun, CEO of Ripot, started a recycling business for Apple's wireless earphones, AirPods. June 5th, Environment Day, was special for CEO Park. It was the first Environment Day since starting the business. CEO Park reaffirmed the obligation to contribute to the environment through corporate management.

Park Jung-hoon, CEO of Lipot (second from the right), and employees

Apple prides itself on being an eco-friendly company. Apple's headquarters uses recycled energy, and most products use recycled materials. They have promised to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Apple products, which support the latest operating systems for a long time, can be used for a considerable period if the battery is replaced after its lifespan ends. The situation is different for wireless earphones like AirPods. AirPods, which lead the wireless earphone market in sales, are Apple's cash cow product. In Korea as well, as iPhone sales increase, many users choose AirPods. The problem lies with AirPods that have reached the end of their lifespan.

According to CEO Park, AirPods rarely break down unless subjected to severe physical shock or immersion, but there is a fundamental problem. Due to the limitation of having to use a miniature battery, performance deteriorates rapidly when the battery ages. After about 400 to 500 charges, the battery life ends. Even when charged, sufficient voltage does not come out, so connection with the iPhone becomes unstable and sound quality worsens. Although the battery can be replaced, repair or battery replacement is difficult due to the product structure. Therefore, Apple does not repair or replace batteries for AirPods. While individual earphones can be purchased, they are as expensive as new ones. As a result, many AirPods users end up not using AirPods that have reached the end of their lifespan. More than 150 million AirPods sold so far inevitably face disposal once their lifespan ends.

CEO Park recognized this problem while working at Apple Korea and started his own business. He believes this situation causes significant environmental damage. The environmental pollution caused by batteries and plastics from many discarded AirPods every year, as well as the lost opportunity for resource recycling, are serious concerns.

At Ripot, used AirPods are exchanged and sold as refurbished AirPods. Refurbished products differ from used ones. They are sold at affordable prices after performance inspection by experts. Customers can purchase the left earphone, right earphone, and charging case separately as needed.

CEO Park emphasized, "Just as the collection of PET bottles or aluminum cans is encouraged, AirPods and wireless earphones can also bring environmental protection effects through refurbishment."