Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced progress on its Galaxy for the Planet sustainability commitments and introduced the next phase of the initiative with new environmental goals through 2030. Since launching Galaxy for the Planet in 2021, Samsung has achieved all four sustainability goals set for 2025, which were aimed at reducing environmental impact across product design, manufacturing and operations.

Galaxy for the Planet is the sustainability platform for Samsung’s Mobile eXperience(MX) business, guiding its long-term approach to advancing environmental sustainability. Since its launch, the initiative has driven steady progress across multiple focus areas, evolving alongside advances in technology, materials and operational capabilities.

“The progress we have made through Galaxy for the Planet reflects years of consistent effort across our teams and partners,” said TM Roh, CEO, President and Head of the Device eXperience(DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “Sustainability is central to how we operate and innovate. It informs how we design products, manage resources and create value beyond our devices. As we work toward our 2030 goals, we are expanding our commitments beyond products and operations to address broader environmental impact as we work toward our 2030 goals.”

Progress on Galaxy for the Planet

Samsung has achieved all four of its 2025 sustainability goals for the Galaxy for the Planet initiative, which was designed to reduce the environmental impact of the company’s mobile products and operations.

A core focus has been expanding the use of recycled and responsibly sourced materials across Galaxy products.[1] Today, Samsung has applied 10 types of recycled materials[2] in both exterior and interior components, supported by ongoing research, testing and verification.

One area of progress is enhancing circularity through innovation in materials. Samsung has incorporated recycled plastics recovered from ocean-bound, discarded fishing nets, and continues its efforts in closed-loop systems such as its Circular Battery Supply Chain, which enables the recovery and reuse of materials from previously used Galaxy device batteries.

Samsung also eliminated single-use plastics from its mobile packaging, transitioning to paper-based and recycled alternatives.[3] At the same time, continued research and development in low standby power technology has reduced standby power consumption in Galaxy mobile phone chargers to near-zero levels  — an innovation now applied across multiple charger wattages.[4]

Across manufacturing operations, Samsung has advanced landfill waste reduction by implementing Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) practices globally. All 10 qualifying mobile manufacturing sites[5] have achieved the Platinum designation for ZWTL under the UL Solutions standard, reflecting landfill diversion rates of 100 percent or higher. Such waste management practices are adapted to regional regulations and infrastructure, as well.

These achievements reflect Samsung’s progress under Galaxy for the Planet and provide momentum to expand the initiative further. With its initial targets met on schedule, Samsung is expanding its environmental commitments with new goals through 2030.

Deepening Our Commitments to the Environment

For its next phase, Galaxy for the Planet will expand beyond product-level initiatives to address the broader environmental and ecological impact of Samsung’s global operations. The new 2030 goals will focus on three key areas: circularity, water stewardship and biodiversity.

• Advancing Circularity

Samsung will continue to advance circularity across its mobile products, with the aim of incorporating at least one recycled material in every module of every mobile product. This underscores the company’s commitment to more responsible and efficient materials sourcing across the Galaxy ecosystem.[6]

• Strengthening Water Stewardship

Samsung is deepening its approach to water stewardship across its mobile operations,[7] with the goal of returning 110 percent of the water consumed. This includes pursuing the highest level of Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certification for responsible water management practices.[8]

• Conserving Ecosystems

Recognizing that its operations can have an impact on surrounding ecosystems, Samsung has set a goal to conserve ecosystems equivalent to the footprint of its global mobile operations.[9] This goal focuses on protecting and restoring natural environments in ways that strengthen biodiversity and ecological resilience around Samsung’s global footprint.

As Samsung continues its sustainability journey, Galaxy for the Planet reflects Samsung’s belief that environmental responsibility is integral to how the company innovates, operates and creates long-term value, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability as a core part of its business.

The video capturing the journey of Galaxy for the Planet is available at the following link.

For more information about Galaxy for the Planet, visit here. Additional details on Samsung’s sustainability metrics, verification processes and progress are available in the Samsung Electronics Sustainability website.

[1] All recycled materials used in Galaxy products have undergone third-party verification figure based on ISO 14021. These include pre- and post- consumer recycled materials

[2] Includes plastics, glass, aluminum, cobalt, lithium, steel, copper, gold, rare earth elements and tantalum. Recycled material use varies by product. For more information, visit: https://www.samsung.com/global/sustainability

[3] In select markets, limited use of plastic wrapping or sealing labels remains due to local conditions. Some legacy packaging materials produced prior to the transition may still be in distribution. For more information, visit: https://www.samsung.com/global/sustainability

[4] Less than 0.005W standby power technology is based on newly released 15W, 25W and 45W Galaxy mobile phone chargers. Figures and product information are based on internal test and findings

[5] Brazil (SEDA-P(C), SEDA-P(M)), Egypt (SEEG-P), India (SIEL-P(N)), Indonesia (SEIN-P), Korea (Suwon, Gumi), Türkiye (SETK-P), and Vietnam (SEV, SEVT)

[6] “Module” refers to key functional components within a mobile product (such as the battery, display, camera or structural components). The goal applies to Samsung Galaxy phones, tablets, PCs and watches, excluding certain accessories and new or emerging form factors.

[7] Brazil (SEDA-C, SEDA-M), Egypt (SEEG), India (SIEL-N), Indonesia (SEIN), Korea (Suwon, Gumi), Türkiye (SETK), Vietnam (SEV, SEVT)

[8] ‘Highest level’ is defined as achieving the top certification level(‘Platinum’) of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).

[9] Brazil (SEDA-P(C), SEDA-P(M)), Egypt (SEEG-P), India (SIEL-P(N)), Indonesia (SEIN-P), Korea (Suwon, Gumi), Türkiye (SETK-P), and Vietnam (SEV, SEVT)

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announces today that it has made progress towards achieving the 2025 sustainability goals for the MX (Mobile eXperience) Business. Key initiatives include developing and incorporating recycled materials into products, designing more eco-conscious packaging, nd giving new life to older Samsung Galaxy devices to reduce e-waste.

Since announcing the Galaxy for the Planet vision at Unpacked in August 2021, Samsung has worked diligently to create new ways to recycle and repurpose resources that would otherwise become harmful waste, minimise its environmental footprint, and inspire innovation that helps preserve the planet. Today, Samsung is sharing the progress so far on its sustainability journey.

“Samsung is taking consistent and impactful actions that help protect people and the planet. We marry sustainability and innovation in everything we do,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “I am proud of our progress to date. At the same time, it’s been a humbling experience that enables us to continue on our journey towards achieving our sustainability vision with even more conviction and rigor than before.”

Expanding the Use of Recycled Materials to the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4

Developing new, recycled materials is a key focus area for Galaxy for the Planet. The more Samsung recycles, the more resources it preserves. While repurposing materials into Galaxy devices presents many challenges, the benefits for the planet make it well worth the effort.

Samsung designed the new Galaxy Z series and Galaxy Buds2 Pro with repurposed fishing nets, or ghost nets, that could otherwise end up in the ocean.

First integrated into the Galaxy S22 series in February 2022, today there are eleven Galaxy devices that use repurposed fishing nets including the Galaxy Tab S8 series. By repurposing abandoned fishing nets into a high-performance material for Galaxy technology, Samsung helps to minimise the effects of plastic pollution – 640,000 tons of fishing nets are abandoned and pollute the world’s oceans every year.[1]

Repurposing discarded fishing nets is only one example of Samsung’s advancements in increasing its use of recycled materials in its products.

Samsung has incorporated eco-conscious materials including repurposed fishing nets, post-consumer materials (PCM) or bio-based resin into components of 90% of Galaxy devices launched in the past year.[2] For the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, more than 90% of the plastic components are made with partly recycled materials.[3]

This process requires complex engineering and technical skills to ensure the overall quality, safety and reliability of all new materials for Samsung’s innovative technologies. Samsung plans to make further investments in research and development to source and transform other, new materials for use in Galaxy products and to increase the presence of recycled materials in each device.

Changing the Way Galaxy Products are Packaged

Samsung set a goal to eliminate all single-use plastics in mobile product packaging by 2025, and the company has already reduced a sizeable amount of single-use plastics in its current packaging for Galaxy smartphones including the new Galaxy foldables. Samsung will explore more ways to eliminate single-use plastics in packaging by assessing every aspect of its packaging designs, down to the smallest of details.

Starting with the launch of the Galaxy S22 series, Samsung now uses 100% recycled paper for flagship product packaging.

By doing so, Samsung will be able to save the equivalent of nearly 51,000 trees[4] with the Galaxy S22 series and the new Galaxy Z series this year.

Samsung has also reduced the volume of packaging for Galaxy Z Flip4 by 52.8% and for Galaxy Z Fold4 by 58.2% respectively compared to the first-generation Galaxy foldables. By reducing each device package’s volume, Samsung ultimately reduces its environmental footprint in transporting these units using trucks, planes and ships. The company estimates that this reduction in packaging volume equates to a reduction in carbon emissions from transportation of approximately 10,000 tons by the end of 2022.[5] In addition to continually evolving packaging for flagship smartphones, Samsung will expand eco-conscious packaging to other product categories.

Scaling Solutions that Reduce E-waste

More than ever, reducing e-waste is crucial to advancing a circular economy that preserves and repurposes the planet’s finite resources. According to the World Economic Forum, 57 million tons of e-waste was generated in 2021 and it is expected to grow by 2 million tons per year.[6]

To address this, Samsung has been expanding the Galaxy Upcycling program, which gives new life to older Galaxy smartphones. Through Galaxy Upcycling at Home[7], Samsung repurposes smartphones with a simple software update that turns them into smart home devices that support everyday needs, such as childcare and pet care.

An important part of Galaxy Upcycling is ensuring that these sustainable practices not only support the environment but also improve people’s lives. The company also upcycles secondhand Galaxy devices into medical diagnosis equipment called EYELIKE fundus cameras that provide necessary eye care services in underserved communities. This program has already upcycled hundreds of Galaxy devices and provided basic eye care for over 13,000 patients in Vietnam, Morocco, India, and Papua New Guinea.

The Path Forward

Samsung has set clear sustainability goals by scaling solutions across its business. Whether it is repurposing discarded fishing nets for Galaxy devices, striving to achieve plastic-free packaging or moving us forward to achieve zero waste to landfill and zero standby power of smartphone chargers, Samsung is realising its Galaxy for the Planet vision one step at a time.

There will be more challenges along the way, but Samsung will hold itself accountable and continue to report progress on its mission to effect positive change and inspire others to protect the planet for generations to come.

[1] FAO and UNEP

[2] By number of models. This includes Galaxy smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables Samsung launched globally from September 2021 to August 2022. There are 37 models launched globally during this period and 34 models include at least one component that is made of recycled materials or bio-based resin.

[3] More than 90% of all the plastic components of Galaxy Buds2 Pro are made of partly recycled materials. 29 grams of plastics are used in the Galaxy Buds2 Pro in total, and components weighing more than 27 grams are made with partly recycled materials. Each of these components contains at least 20% of either discarded fishing nets (ocean-bound plastic) or post-consumer materials. Recycled fishing nets are used in three internal components of the cradle case in its bracket deco front, bracket battery holder and bracket-PCB. Post-consumer recycled materials are used in eight exterior components. Four components in both Ear Buds in its case front left/right, case rear left/right. And four components in the cradle case in its deco front, case-upper, case-upper inner, and case-lower.

[4] A 30-year-old pine tree can produce 59 kg of paper.

[5] This is calculated based on ISO 14040:2006 and 14044:2006 standard, using Ecoinvent 3.8 database for transportation of SM-F700F, SM-F721B, SM-F900F and SM-F936B models from Korea to Europe.

[6] World Economic Forum, “This year’s e-waste to outweigh Great Wall of China,” October 18, 2021. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/2021-years-e-waste-outweigh-great-wall-of-china/

[7] Galaxy Upcycling at Home is available in the US, the UK and Korea currently and availability may vary by carrier. This feature is available on all Galaxy S, Note, and Z series released since 2018 (Galaxy S9, Galaxy Note9 or later) running Android 9 and above. More devices will be supported in the future.

This content has been revised as of January 25, 2024 to provide more accurate information.

In a move that combines sustainability and innovation, Samsung Electronics developed a new material that gives ocean-bound plastics new life as they’re incorporated into various Galaxy devices. Made with repurposed ocean-bound discarded fishing nets, the use of this material marks another step in our Galaxy for the Planet journey that aims to minimize our environmental footprint and help foster more sustainable lifestyles for the Galaxy community.

Now and into the future, Samsung will incorporate repurposed ocean-bound plastics throughout our entire product lineup, starting with our new Galaxy devices that will be revealed on February 9^th at Unpacked. These devices will reflect our ongoing effort to eliminate single-use plastics and expand the use of other eco-conscious materials, such as recycled post-consumer material (PCM) and recycled paper. With this transformation, the future of Galaxy technology will bring leading product design and deliver better environmental impact.

The Hidden Threat of Discarded Fishing Nets

When you think of ‘ocean-bound plastic’[1], you likely envision a water bottle or a grocery bag drifting on the ocean surface. What may not come to mind is a more hidden threat – the 640,000 tons of fishing nets that are abandoned and discarded every year.

Lingering in our oceans for centuries, these ‘ghost nets’ are responsible for trapping and entangling marine life, damaging coral reefs and natural habitats and even ending up in our food and water sources. These discarded fishing nets are disrupting the delicate balance of our environment at an alarming rate. Collecting and repurposing these nets are vital first steps in keeping our oceans clean as well as preserving the planet and our collective future.

Designing More Sustainable Products

Samsung has always pushed the boundaries of mobile technology, and the company is now looking to do the same with its sustainability practices. By giving new life to discarded fishing nets that would otherwise become dangerous waste, Samsung – through its creative solution – exemplifies how we can all do more with less to conserve our planet’s resources.

Samsung is committed to addressing ocean plastic pollution in a way that will positively impact not only the environment but also the lives of all Galaxy users. This new technological advancement marks a notable achievement in the company’s journey to deliver tangible environmental actions and protect the planet for generations to come.

Repurposing ocean-bound plastics is just the first step in our collective mission to address the climate crisis, and Samsung looks forward to using our scale, innovation and open collaboration to uncover additional solutions. Learn more about our vision for a sustainable future at Unpacked (February 10^th at 2 a.m. AEDT).

[1] Ocean-bound plastic is abandoned plastic waste of all sizes (micro-plastics, mezzo-plastics and macro-plastics) that are located within 50km of shores in communities or areas where waste management is inexistent or very inefficient.

“We believe that everyone has a role to play in providing innovative solutions that protect the planet for generations to come. Samsung understands our efforts need to match our scale, our influence and the magnitude of the entire Galaxy ecosystem around the world,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “Galaxy for the Planet is an important step in our journey toward creating a more sustainable world, and we will do so with the openness, transparency and collaboration that drives everything we do.”

Delivering better environmental impact by 2025

Samsung believes the integration of sustainable practices across each stage of production is crucial to minimizing environmental impact and building a better future for communities around the world and the next generation of innovators. Samsung will work to achieve its initial goals by 2025, and it will aim to evolve its commitments to address new challenges beyond 2025.  

• Incorporate recycled material in all new mobile products by 2025

To foster a more circular economy, Samsung is investing in new and innovative eco-conscious materials for its products. With the goal of using recycled material across all new mobile products by 2025, Samsung will use various recycled materials within its new products, taking their strength, aesthetics and durability into consideration.

• Eliminate all single use plastics in mobile packaging by 2025

Samsung is working towards the full elimination of single use plastics from product packaging by 2025 – reducing, removing and replacing unnecessary resources and materials traditionally used in device packaging and incorporating eco-conscious solutions.

• Reduce standby power consumption[1] of all compatible Samsung smartphone chargers[2] to below 0.005W by 2025

Samsung is prioritizing energy-saving technology that can increase energy efficiency and reduce power consumption. Samsung has successfully reduced the standby power consumption across all smartphone chargers[3] to 0.02W, which is among the most energy efficient in the mobile industry. To build on this progress, Samsung will work to achieve zero power standby consumption of smartphone chargers, targeting reduction to below 0.005W by 2025.

• Achieve zero waste to landfill by 2025

Samsung is minimizing waste generated at its mobile worksites, with the commitment to divert all waste from landfill by 2025. Samsung will also work to reduce e-waste on a global scale by optimizing the product lifecycle, improving product design processes, and through initiatives like Galaxy Upcycling, Certified Re-Newed, and Trade-In programs.

Continuing Samsung’s spirit of openness

Samsung will continue to discover new ways to address the climate crisis and expand its role in accelerating progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The company is dedicated to reporting progress transparently and working with industry peers and partners throughout its sustainability journey.

“Samsung is committed to creating solutions that enable a better future for our people and our planet. However, we know we cannot do this alone, and the collective fight for the planet is not a competition,” said Stephanie Choi, SVP & Head of Marketing of the Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “We strive for collaboration in everything we do, and our strategic partnerships across sectors, industries and markets enable us to scale positive impact around the world – helping us achieve a more sustainable future.”

Samsung’s products are thoughtfully designed to help minimise the impact on the environment during their lifecycle – including power-efficient semiconductor chips, sustainably designed packaging, energy-saving technology and the ability to upcycle old devices. To view Samsung’s sustainability progress, check out the 2021 Sustainability Report.

[1] Standby power consumption is the power used after a smartphone is fully charged or disconnected, but the charger remains plugged-in.

[2] Based on 15W, 25W and 45W Galaxy smartphone chargers

[3] Based on 15W, 25W and 45W Galaxy smartphone chargers