Samsung Electronics Releases 2023 Sustainability Report

On June 30, Samsung Electronics released the 2023 edition of its Sustainability Report.

Through this report, Samsung discloses its sustainability strategy and performance in the areas of People, Planet and Principle.

The report highlights major activities over the past year, including progress in implementing the New Environmental Strategy announced in September 2022 and the launch of the company’s Global Human Rights Principles.

The New Environmental Strategy specifies the company’s roadmap to achieve net zero at the Device eXperience (DX) Division by 2030 and at the company level including the Device Solutions (DS) Division by 2050, as well as its efforts to contribute to climate action and a circular economy.

In 2022, Samsung completed its transition to renewable energy use in Vietnam, India and Brazil — in line with the company’s goal to fully transition to renewable energy use at DX and all operational sites outside Korea by 2027.

In addition, the company increased the amount of recycled resin used in its plastic parts — on track towards its goal to use recycled resin in 50% of plastic parts by 2030 and in all plastic components by 2050.

In 2022, Samsung’s DS Division expanded installations of Regenerative Catalytic Systems (RCSs) in its facilities to treat process gas more efficiently and reduce direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Moreover, through its efforts to restore water to its natural state prior to discharge by 2040, Hwaseong Campus attained the highest Platinum rating issued by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).

Samsung continues to expand collaboration with various stakeholders. The company joined global initiatives such as RE100, the Asian Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC) and Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE). Samsung also collaborated with Patagonia to launch a filter that reduces microplastics released from washing machines.

This year’s Sustainability Report delves into the company’s approach to respecting human rights and fostering talent. In February 2023, Samsung announced its Global Human Rights Principles that highlight the company’s commitment to respect human rights in line with international standards, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

In terms of talent development, the company introduced the Free Agent (FA) initiative and Samsung Talent Exchange Program (STEP) in 2022 — expanding opportunities for employees to experience different functions within the company. Samsung also launched The University of Samsung Electronics (The UniverSE), a comprehensive training platform that supports employees’ professional development.

Furthermore, Samsung has included sustainability-related indicators in performance evaluations of organizational units and executives since 2021. Depending on the area or function, these performance metrics include indicators on GHG emissions reduction, renewable energy transition, energy efficient product development, compliance and accessibility.

Lastly, in February 2023, Samsung launched its Sustainability Website, a comprehensive platform that offers detailed information on the company’s sustainability-related activities. The website covers a wide range of topics including strategy and goals, ongoing efforts and progress, environmentally responsible products, policies, quantitative performance data, news and featured stories, as well as recognitions and awards.

The full text of the 2023 Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report can be downloaded here.

For more stories about Samsung’s sustainability initiatives, visit here.