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)

The survey was commissioned to uncover the dynamic and inventive ways Australians aged 14 to 24 years are taking action on the issues that matter most to them; while also revealing the common roadblocks standing in their way when it comes to turning ideas into actions to create positive societal change.

The findings uncover a surprising truth: young Australians, often seen as a vocal generation, feel significantly disempowered in their ability to create meaningful change. The majority (83%) agreed that STEM skills are essential in helping enact positive change, yet three-quarters (75%) felt largely unequipped to take advantage of these skills.

Young Australians are disconnected on how they can have a positive impact on issues that matter to them. Despite wanting to stand up for what they believe in, nearly half (44%) of Gen Z do not feel like it would make a difference, and 39% don’t know how best to take a stand on the social issues they care about. Highlighting a possible way forward for the unsure generation, more than half (53%) of Gen Z think using STEM to create technology or solutions that address the issues they care about is the most effective way to bring about change.

Nearly four million Gen Z Australians[2] could be the next generation of STEM innovators with 83% of those surveyed agreeing that understanding and using technology is key to making positive changes in the world. Despite over half strongly agreeing that STEM enables the opportunities to turn innovative ideas into reality, only one in four (25%) are confident they have the STEM skills to do so. Almost half (49%) say the biggest hurdle is the lack of resources, support network, and monetary support to enable them to do so. These findings indicate that more focus is needed on upskilling young Australians in STEM-related skills to bridge the gap between intentions to create positive change and equipping them with the right skills and resources to do so.

Dr Kirsten Banks, Astrophysicist, STEM advocate and Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 spokesperson said, “There’s definitely a drive in this generation to enact change but there’s a disconnect between the tools, skills and resources they need to be able to speak out on and action the issues that matter to them most.”

“The opportunity is well and truly there for our innovative young thinkers to create meaningful change with STEM when given the opportunities and support. This is why I’m thrilled to be involved in this year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program, supporting young innovators to use STEM to turn their ideas and dreams into creating real, positive change in their communities”

Young Australians are not just seeing STEM as a way to bring about change. They also see it as a viable career path, with over four in five (83%) agreeing that STEM skills are essential not only to enact positive change, but also for future careers. Additionally, three-quarters (75%) agreed that STEM presents exciting opportunities and career pathways for them in the future.

With the number of STEM jobs growing twice as fast[3] as non-STEM related roles, there has never been a more pertinent time for equipping young Australians to upskill in STEM.

Brett Turnbull, Director of Corporate Marketing at Samsung Electronics Australia said, “Solve for Tomorrow is a great starting point for any young innovator wanting to get involved in STEM and understand how it can empower their community and future career opportunities at the same time.”

“As a global technology leader, Samsung understands the vital importance of STEM education in shaping the innovators of tomorrow. We are dedicated to empowering Australia’s next generation of problem solvers by nurturing their skills and offering opportunities for students to engage with both inside and beyond the classroom. Through initiatives like Solve for Tomorrow, we aim to inspire young minds and equip them with the tools they need to make a real difference in the world.”

What is Solve for Tomorrow and How Do You Enter?

Free to participate for Australians aged 14 to 24, Solve for Tomorrow is designed to empower the next generation of innovators by solving a problem facing their community under one of three categories, Sustainability, Education and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The major winner will take home $10,000 cash as well as a suite of Samsung products to help make it a reality.

Educators also stand to win in Solve for Tomorrow, as entries that nominate their high school will be considered for the School Prize, a Flip Pro Interactive Display to help promote collaboration and engagement in the classroom. Recognising Gen Z’s passion for using social media for good, one participant will also receive a Samsung Productivity Pack as the Social Amplify Prize for best raising awareness for their cause on social media. To be considered, participants need to tag @SamsungAU and use the hashtag #SFT_AU_2024 across their social posts highlighting their cause.[4]

“I highly encourage any young person in Australia to get involved in Solve for Tomorrow. Building skills in critical thinking, creativity and communication can truly make meaningful change in the future and I can’t wait to see what you come up with” said Dr Kirsten Banks.

For more information on Solve for Tomorrow, visit: https://www.samsung.com/au/solve-for-tomorrow/.

[1] Samsung and Student Edge (2024) “Voices of Tomorrow: overcoming roadblocks to youth action today”.

[2] Statista Research Department (2024) “Distribution of Australian population in Australia as of 2021, by generation” https://www.statista.com/statistics/1359270/australia-distribution-of-population-by-generation/

[3] National Skills Commission (2022) “Projecting employment to 2026” https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-03/NSC22-0041_Employ Projections_glossy_FA_ACC.pdf

[4] T&Cs apply. Requires an eligible entry to Solve for Tomorrow and social posts must be publically available to be considered for the Social Amplify Prize. See https://www.samsung.com/au/solve-for-tomorrow/ for full terms & conditions.

At Samsung, we are harnessing the power of technology to enable people to make small, everyday changes that can add up to meaningful, positive impact for the planet under our corporate sustainability vision, Everyday Sustainability. With each product we create, we are in the business of trying to make the technology that many of us enjoy do more with less of an impact on the environment.

As part of our commitment, the Samsung Mobile eXperience (MX) Business is working to incorporate recycled materials in all mobile products by 2025. We have made significant strides in our journey to achieve this goal with the Galaxy S23 series, which features a wider variety of recycled materials than any other Galaxy smartphone to date, including pre-consumer recycled glass and aluminum and post-consumer recycled plastics, which are sourced from discarded fishing nets, water barrels and PET bottles. Compared to its previous generation, the Galaxy S23 Ultra has also doubled the number of components made with recycled materials and expanded their presence to external components, not just internal components.

Now, we are taking another step forward in our journey by applying eco-conscious materials to all eight styles of smartphone cases for the Galaxy S23 series[1], in addition to the Screen Protector[2] that provides added protection to the smartphone’s screen.

Check out three smartphone cases for the Galaxy S23 series, designed with style and the planet in mind.

All cases sold separately.

Silicone Grip Case

The Silicone Grip Case for the Galaxy S23 series integrates a range of post-consumer recycled content, promoting improved resource circularity in Samsung’s design and production processes.

The inner frame is made with a material consisting of a minimum of 20% post-consumer recycled plastic[3] sourced from discarded water barrels, and the interior of the case has recycled microfiber, which is made with a minimum of 29% post-consumer recycled content[4].

Each Silicone Grip Case comes with a strap that uses fabric consisting of 86% post-consumer recycled content. To create the strap material, PET bottles are melted down and repurposed to form a flexible and durable yarn.

Smart View Wallet Case

Known for its convenience, the Smart View Wallet Case for the Galaxy S23 series allows users to easily access their device’s interactive display without opening the cover. With a simple tap to the display window, Galaxy users can answer a call or play music.

But the Smart View Wallet Case is more than convenient, it is designed with eco-conscious materials. The outer cover is constructed with a material that has a minimum of 21% bio-based content[5]. The inner frame, similarly, uses a material with a minimum of 20% post-consumer recycled plastics[6], while the interior of the case is made with recycled microfibers containing a minimum of 29% post-consumer recycled content[7].

Rugged Gadget Case

The Rugged Gadget Case for the Galaxy S23 series is built to last, with a sturdy design and comfortable grip. It is designed to protect the device against bumps, drops and scratches. This heavy-duty case has been drop-tested to meet military-grade standards[8].

The case’s enhanced protection is supported by recycled materials, demonstrating that improved durability should not come at a cost to eco-conscious material innovation. The outer frame incorporates a material containing a minimum of 37% bio-based content[9].

Each case contains eco-conscious materials such as recycled plastics or bio-based contents, which have been validated by UL.

A Continued Commitment to Sustainability

Galaxy technology and its accessories have always been created to bring convenience, joy and style. Over the last decade, Samsung has strived to make sustainability an essential part of that equation.

These smartphone cases are only one small step in our sustainability journey. Our journey is ongoing and always evolving. Samsung will continue to scale our efforts and join forces with like-minded partners to enable every Galaxy user to embed sustainability into their daily lives.

To learn more about Samsung’s sustainability efforts, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/global/sustainability/

[1] Galaxy S23 series cases inclusive of, Clear Case, Silicone Case, Leather Case, Smart View Wallet Case, Silicone Grip Case, Frame Case, Clear Gadget Case and Rugged Gadget Case. Availability of each may vary by region.

[2] Screen protective film containing recycled PET

[3] Recycled PC (Polycarbonate). Based on Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, UL 2809 – Fifth Edition.

[4] Recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) sourced from discarded PET bottles. Based on Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, UL 2809 Fifth Edition, April 29, 2021 Revision.

[5] Bio PU (Polyurethane). Based on UL ECVP 9798 – Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Biobased Content.

[6] Based on Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, UL 2809 – Fifth Edition

[7] Based on Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, UL 2809 Fifth Edition, April 29, 2021 Revision.

[8] Tested to MIL-STD-810H Transit Drop standards, for drops from a height of 1.5 meters to a steel surface, in temperatures between 15°C to 35°C with 0–80% relative humidity. Standard is according to accredited test results; performance may vary depending on actual usage conditions and other factors.

[9] Based on UL ECVP 9798 – Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Biobased Content.

Every year, mobile technology increasingly becomes the very core of our daily lives and the epicenter of innovation.

With these essential devices, we create and consume content that connects, inspires and entertains us. We stay immersed in the world of an epic game, even on the go. We keep up with colleagues and deadlines when we’re away from our desks. And we manage every part of our lives in one convenient place — from health and wellness habits, to appointments, purchases, travel and more.

Our days revolve around these experiences, so people want devices they can depend on from brands they can trust. At the same time, global challenges like the climate crisis are making us rethink how we live. We have a responsibility to help create a better world now while working toward a more equitable and sustainable future. We believe mobile technology can be the catalyst to enrich people’s lives and help create that future we envision. And, this is the reason why we do what we do in our MX business.

Setting New Performance Standards

There’s no better example of Samsung delivering on this vision than the Galaxy S series. This year, Galaxy S series has extended our innovation heritage by doubling down on our fundamentals.

That’s why our pro-grade camera system is getting smarter, offering the best photos and videos in any light among our Galaxy smartphones. Along with the hardware and software optimisation, our newest chipset born out of Samsung’s open partnership philosophy enables the fastest and most powerful Galaxy performance. Our ecosystem connectivity is also getting easier and more seamless than ever.

At the top of the Galaxy S series is our Galaxy S Ultra. It’s the product you can trust to give you the best of what Samsung offers with redefined performance and quality.

We fully merged the most beloved Galaxy Note experiences into Ultra, pioneering a smartphone with the power, performance, and creative capabilities of two leading Galaxy innovations in one.

The Galaxy S Ultra has truly become the pinnacle of Samsung Mobile’s innovation, a marque that stands out against everything else, and soon we’ll show you what Ultra can do in even more device categories.

Innovation that Lasts

Performance is not just about more power. It’s also about innovation that lasts.

We are committed to combating climate change, and we are guided by our new environmental strategy that strives to make the technology we depend on more sustainable. That’s why we consider every phase of the product lifecycle with sustainability top of mind.

This means building devices with outstanding durability and reliability. This means incorporating more recycled materials into more components than we have done previously. This means collaborating with like-minded partners to bring people closer together and deliver positive change for people and the planet while setting new benchmarks for our industry.

An Uncompromising Premium Experience

On February 2 at Unpacked, we’ll show how innovation and sustainability working together, brings the ultimate premium experience.

At a time when the stakes are higher than ever, we’ve raised the bar by pushing boundaries for the mobile experience — delivering our most powerful mobile experiences you’ll continue to love for years to come.

I can’t wait to share what’s next with you.

We are living in a world that is very complex and changing rapidly.

We now have to navigate uncharted waters where everything is changing – from technology to markets to consumers – and we face additional challenges of the pandemic and uncertainties in the global economy.

As such, the ‘environment’ and the ‘experience’ of how we live has become more important, and our concern for creating a sustainable future has deepened.

As a global leader in consumer electronics and information and communication technologies (ICT), I believe Samsung Electronics has a responsibility to establish an eco-conscious value chain through our innovative technologies and products, as well as to provide more valuable and enlightening experiences to each and every consumer.

That is why Samsung has been focusing its efforts to recognise sustainable innovation as an essential value and key element in our business.

At CES 2023 in January, Samsung will outline its plan for “Bringing Calm to Our Connected World” by underlining our responsibilities and vision to strive towards this goal and share our journey together for creating a sustainable and prosperous future.

SmartThings: Providing Evolved Hyper-Connected Experiences That Are Invisible Yet Present in Our Lives

At CES 2023, Samsung will present a new and expanded SmartThings experience that integrates your home ecosystem even more seamlessly, with a system that is supported by enhanced security.

We will also explore easier and safer ways to connect devices and appliances, and how to make customised experiences for each user even more precise with AI.

We are closely cooperating with various industry partners to embody the SmartThings experience, creating a new path to provide optimal and customised connected experiences to users according to their individual preferences and lifestyles.

Sustainable Future in the Hyper-Connected Era

In order to provide better daily life experiences, Samsung has been paying attention to how technology can address difficulties and problems encountered in everyday life. In addition, we have continued to identify ways to contribute to creating a more sustainable future by developing products that are sustainable and equipped with innovative technologies.

Since we announced our new environmental strategy in September, we have underlined how we plan to contribute to overcoming the climate crisis through our innovative technologies, including low power semiconductors and energy saving products. We also announced our goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Saving energy through SmartThings and developing eco-conscious innovative products showcase how we are upholding our sustainable, forward-thinking values.

In addition, we are actively promoting our environmental and societal efforts by participating in sustainable business management partnerships with other stakeholders, such as international organisations, industries and citizens.

We joined the steering committee for the Asia Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC) together with major global companies and NGOs to expand renewable energy supply to its major production bases in Asia.

Furthermore, we joined the Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC) as a founding member during the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference held in November. Through this organisation, we aim to set and implement plans to help reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions of the semiconductor industry, create eco-conscious ecosystems by setting a carbon reduction target, develop greenhouse gas reduction technologies and support green technology startups.

We will continue to pave the way for the hyper-connected era, empowering consumers to help create a sustainable future by simply using Samsung products.

One More Step for Mankind: Samsung’s Sustainable Journey

When developing new technology for users, we have always been asking the question “What should we do?” rather than “What can we do?” This is because technology can change the way people communicate with and experience the world, make daily life more enriching and can act as the driving force toward a better future.

At CES 2023, we will show our industry-leading efforts that go beyond simply making great products with advanced technologies and aim to unleash new experiences through technology, making our daily lives and the world even better.

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.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world’s leading TV manufacturer for 16 consecutive years,* announced that many of its 2022 Neo QLEDs earned the ‘Reducing CO2’ certification from the Carbon Trust in recognition of its efforts to reduce the products’ carbon footprint.

The Carbon Trust is a global climate consultancy driven by the mission to accelerate the move to a decarbonised future. The ‘Reducing CO2’ certification signifies that a product’s carbon footprint is reducing year-on-year. It evaluates the amount of GHG(Greenhouse Gas) generated throughout the entire product lifecycle using internationally recognized standards[1].

This year, 11 models across Samsung’s 2022 TV lineup (9 of which will be available in Australia), including three Neo QLED 8K models, three Neo QLED 4K models, two QLED models, two Lifestyle TV models, and one Crystal UHD TV model, obtained the certification by reducing the weight of the product and the power consumption during the use phase.

Samsung has long been committed to not only driving product innovation but also shaping and implementing environmental sustainability technologies. During Samsung’s keynote event at CES 2022, Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Samsung Electronic’s Device eXperience (DX) Division, unveiled the company’s vision of “Together for Tomorrow”, highlighting Samsung’s commitment to creating a sustainable future and driving collaboration as part of the global community to preserve our planet.

As part of the initiative, Samsung’s Visual Display Business is set to use around 30 times more recycled plastics to produce its display products than it did in 2021. Samsung also revealed its plan to expand the use of recycled materials in all of their mobile and home appliance products by 2025.

In addition, Samsung has been adopting various sustainable practices to minimize the environmental impacts throughout its products’ lifecycles. The company’s ‘Eco-Packaging’ program – which allows consumers to upcycle the packaging for TV products into versatile pieces of furniture – has been upgraded this year with product packaging using 90% less ink while also removing the staples during production.[2]

Samsung has also expanded the SolarCell Remote, which eliminates battery waste with built-in solar panels, to all TV models in 2022. Additionally, Samsung has developed and applied a new material, partially made with repurposed ocean-bound plastics, to a 2022 high resolution monitor S8to reduce marine waste and minimize the environmental footprint.

“As the market leader for 16 consecutive years, Samsung is not only focused on the technological advancements, but innovations around human-centric technology and the environment,” said Seokwoo Yong, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D Team, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to implement various sustainability initiatives and eco-conscious activities in line with its ‘Going Green’ vision.”

*Source – Omdia, Jan-2021. Ranking in terms of shipments. Results are not an endorsement of Samsung.

[1] Internationally recognized standards such as PAS 2050, GHG Product Standard or ISO 14067.

[2] Compared to ink levels and staples in Samsung’s 2021 TV packaging.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled its vision for the future, “Together for tomorrow,” during a pre-show keynote event at CES 2022. Keynote speaker Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of DX (Device eXperience) Division at Samsung, highlighted the company’s efforts to usher in a new age of togetherness, with customizable experiences that reflect consumers’ evolving lifestyles, and innovations that mark progress for both society and the planet.

The company’s “Together for tomorrow” vision is one that empowers everyone to create positive change and drives collaborations that address some of the planet’s most pressing challenges. The keynote illustrated how Samsung plans to make its vision a reality by introducing a range of sustainability initiatives, purposeful partnerships, and customizable and connected technologies.

“I’m excited for you to be a part of our vision to see how innovation can create positive change, [and] to join us and work together for tomorrow,” said Han. ”These developments will make sustainability part of your product experience, enabling you to live a more sustainable life.”

Building a Sustainable Future

At its core, Samsung’s vision for the future is built on what the company calls “everyday sustainability.” It is a concept that inspires Samsung to put sustainability at the heart of everything it does. The company has been realizing its vision by adopting new, low-impact product manufacturing practices, footprint-reducing packaging and a more sustainable customer experience, and by responsibly disposing of products at the end of their lifecycles.

Samsung’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions throughout the production cycle have also earned recognition from the Carbon Trust, the world’s leading authority on carbon footprint. Last year, the company’s Carbon Trust-certified memory chips helped reduce carbon emissions by nearly 700,000 tons.

Samsung’s efforts in this area extend well beyond semiconductors and include expanding the use of recycled materials. To introduce everyday sustainability to more products, Samsung’s Visual Display Business plans to use 30 times more recycled plastics than it did in 2021. The company also revealed plans to expand its use of recycled materials to include all mobile products and home appliances over the next three years.

In 2021, all of Samsung’s TV boxes included recycled materials. For this year, the company revealed that it will be expanding the use of recycled materials to include the boxes’ interior packaging as well. Now, recycled materials will be incorporated into Styrofoam, box holders and plastic bags. The company also announced the global expansion of its award-winning Eco-Packaging program. The expansion of the program, which transforms cardboard boxes into cat houses, side tables, and other useful furniture items, will include packaging for home appliances such as vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, air purifiers and more.

Samsung is also building sustainability into the ways that customers experience its products. Such experiences will be integral to empowering people to reduce their carbon footprint and make positive changes together for a better tomorrow. As an example, the company introduced notable enhancements to its first-of-its-kind SolarCell Remote, which eliminates battery waste with a built-in solar panel that can be charged during both day and night.

The enhanced SolarCell Remote gets electricity from radio frequencies in devices like Wi-Fi routers[1]. “What’s more, it will be included in more Samsung products – like new Samsung TVs and home appliances – with the goal of eliminating more than 200 million batteries from landfills[2]. When you line them up, it is the distance from right here, Las Vegas, to Korea,” said Han.

In addition, by 2025, Samsung plans to make all of its TVs and phone chargers operate on near zero standby power, so that the products will consume almost no energy when not being used.

E-waste is another big challenge for the electronics industry, which is why Samsung has collected more than five million tons of e-waste since 2009. For mobile products, last year, Samsung launched Galaxy for the Planet, a sustainability platform that was created to bring about tangible climate action and minimize devices’ environmental footprints throughout their lifecycles.

“These are important steps,” said Han, “but we cannot achieve our goals alone. We believe open innovation and collaboration are keys to fighting climate change and protecting our environment.” With this in mind, Samsung announced that its eco-conscious technologies like the SolarCell Remote will be made open source, so that others can utilize them for their new devices too.

Samsung’s decision to make such technologies openly available reflects a commitment to innovation – and to everyday sustainability – that transcends industries. The collaboration with Patagonia that Samsung announced at the keynote demonstrates the type of innovation that can result when companies – even those from entirely different industries – come together to address environmental issues. The innovative solution that the companies are designing will help fight plastic pollution by enabling Samsung washing machines to minimize microplastics from entering waterways through laundry cycles.

“This is a serious problem, and not one we can solve on our own,” said Vincent Stanley, Director of Philosophy at Patagonia. Commending the hard work and dedication of Samsung engineers, Stanley described the working relationship as “a perfect example of the kind of collaboration we all need to help turn the tide of climate change and restore nature to health.”

“We are thrilled about this collaboration, but our work won’t stop there,” added Han. “We will continue to explore new partnerships and collaborations, aiming to address the challenges facing our planet.”

Empowering Users with Customized Experiences

In addition to describing steps it is taking to advance everyday sustainability, Samsung outlined various ways it is advancing technology to cater to consumers’ diverse needs. Understanding that each person is unique and wants to customize their devices to suit their lifestyle, Samsung strives to find ways to help people redefine their relationships with everyday technologies. This people-first approach to innovation is a key pillar of the company’s “Together for tomorrow” vision.

The platforms and screens that Samsung unveiled at the event reflect the ‘Screens Everywhere, Screens for All’ era that Han alluded to at CES 2020. The Freestyle is a lightweight and portable screen that gives you a cinema-quality experience no matter where you are. Featuring AI-enabled sound, built-in streaming apps and a host of useful Smart TV accessibility features, The Freestyle can be set up virtually anywhere and projects up to 100 inches.

The Samsung Gaming Hub, meanwhile, offers an all-in-one platform for discovering and playing cloud and console games, and is set to launch on the company’s 2022 Smart TVs and monitors. Lastly, The Odyssey Ark is a 55-inch, flexible and curved gaming screen that takes immersion to the next level with a multi-view experience that allows users to play games, video chat with friends, and watch gaming videos at the same time.

To introduce more tailored product experiences to consumers’ homes, Samsung announced the rollout of even more customization options for its Bespoke lineup of home appliances. This includes new Bespoke options for Samsung’s Family Hub and French 3-Door and 4-Door refrigerators, alongside dishwashers, ranges, and over-the-range microwaves. Samsung is also introducing new products like the Bespoke Jet vacuum and Bespoke Washer and Dryer, expanding the lineup to every room in the home to offer consumers more ways to customize their space to suit their style and needs.

Samsung is constantly exploring ways to harness customization to help users get more out of their devices. The #YouMake Project represents the culmination of those efforts empowering consumers to choose and customize products based on what matters most to them, so they can enjoy a more personalized experience across their devices. Announced at the keynote, the initiative expands Samsung’s Bespoke vision beyond home appliances and brings it to life in the company’s smartphones and large-screen devices.

Ushering in an Era of Seamless Connectivity

Building a better future together for tomorrow requires more than building customization and sustainability into the core of Samsung’s products—it also requires seamless connectivity. During the keynote, Samsung demonstrated its commitment to ushering in an era of truly seamless connected experiences by highlighting its collaborations with partners as well as its next-gen products.

Unveiled for the first time at CES, the all-new Samsung Home Hub takes connected home experiences to the next level with a SmartThings service that integrates with AI-connected appliances to simplify home management. Samsung Home Hub combines six SmartThings services into one convenient device that gives users complete control over their smart home and makes it easier to manage household chores.

To enable different types of smart devices to work better with each other, Samsung announced plans to make SmartThings Hub a built-in feature of its 2022 TVs, Smart Monitors and Family Hub refrigerators. Doing so will help make connected living experiences more accessible and seamless for everyone.

Pointing to the need to offer consumers the best smart home experience regardless of brand, Samsung also announced its role as a founding member of the Home Connectivity Alliance (HCA), which brings together various smart home appliance manufacturers. The organization aims to foster greater interoperability between devices across brands to give consumers more choice, and to enhance the security and safety of products and services.

“As a global coalition of smart home appliance manufacturers, HCA members share a belief that connected ecosystems and digital technology will allow us to further develop product experiences that are elegant, hyper-personalized, and truly smart for our consumers,” said Katherine Shin, Vice President of Customer Experience at Trane Technologies. “The HCA invites any global manufacturers with a similar vision for efficiency, interoperability and innovation to come and build with us.”

Samsung’s keynote underlined a deep commitment to corporate social responsibility that continues to characterize its approach to innovation. That commitment is not only realized in the company’s technologies, but also in its dedication towards programs that empower the next generation to bring about the changes they want to see in the world. By nurturing young people’s development and building skills for the workplaces of tomorrow, programs like Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung Innovation Campus are turning dreams into action.

“Today, I’m honored to share that Samsung’s programs to empower the next generation have now reached more than 21 million people since 2012,” said Han. “This is the better tomorrow we all seek: enabling people to reach beyond their dreams, a planet protected so others can experience its wonders, [and] innovation as the spark for change.”

For more information, including images and videos of the products Samsung is announcing at CES 2022, please visit news.samsung.com/global/ces-2022.

[1] For radio frequency harvesting, a physical proximity of SolarCell Remote to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router is required.

[2] Estimate is based on expected sales volume and average usage period of related products.

Samsung has embarked on a sustainability journey that puts the environment first in all business operations with several long-term sustainability programs that include sustainable packaging design, solar cell-powered remote controls and the reduction of carbon footprints through the use of recycled materials.

Take a look at the infographic below to learn more about Samsung’s commitment to a sustainable future through its eco-friendly visual display products and processes.

“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