Apple Inc comes under fire for turning a blind eye to pollution caused by its suppliers in China. [CFP]

Apple has replied via e-mail in response to a report that accused the company of ignoring the pollution caused by its Chinese suppliers.

On August 31, a report called "The Other Side of Apple II", co-released by five non-governmental environmental organizations after a seven-month investigation, detailed claims of how Apple's Chinese suppliers, who make iPhone and iPad parts, pollute the environment.

Apple responded quickly to the report, pledging that it will investigate all instances of alleged pollution.

In its e-mail, the company said: "Apple will be committed to ensuring the highest standards of social responsibilities through its supply chain."

Apple further pointed out that there were discrepancies in the list of suppliers mentioned in the report. The company also expressed its willingness to meet privately with the NGOs that released the report.

Ma Jun, director and founder of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, which co-wrote the report, said: "This is an active move and we welcome it. The next step is to prevent the pollution."

China's business press carried the story above on Monday.