The Samsung Galaxy Upcycling program allows Galaxy phone owners to retrofit the hardware and software of antiquated, used Galaxy phones into new technology products such as closed circuit TVs, gaming consoles, and IoT devices. The program puts the tools for transforming devices into new technology in consumers’ hands by providing them with the necessary software changes and suggested hardware changes that enable new functionality. The program was created from the company’s innovation hub, C-Lab, and will launch in 2018.

“The Galaxy Upcycling program provides an innovative and environmentally responsible approach to consumers who want to repurpose their existing technology to have new and differentiated functionality,” said Michael Lawder, Senior Vice President of Customer Care at Samsung Electronics America. “We’re honored to receive this award for our Galaxy Upcycling program and for our continuous efforts in sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.”

This is the second time in 2018 that the Galaxy Upcycling program has been recognized in the U.S. for its innovative re-use and recycling efforts. In January, the Galaxy Upcycling program received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Cutting Edge Champion Award.

The Environmental Leader Awards recognizes companies that provide innovative technology and solutions to sustainability and environmental problems. In addition, Dr. Dochul Choi, Senior Vice President of R&D at Samsung Electronics America, was honored as a Top 75 2018 Environmental Leader for his efforts in driving sustainability management. The awards were presented yesterday in Denver, CO at a ceremony during the Environmental Leader & Energy Manager Conference.

More information about Samsung’s sustainability initiatives can be found at https://news.samsung.com/us/sustainability/.

All 20 Samsung refrigerator models, set to be released in 2017, are recognized for the innovative R-600a refrigerant system which meets the EPA’s demanding performance criteria to reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Samsung Electronics is the first manufacturer to receive EPA approval to market full-sized, residential Top Mount Freezer and French Door models using this new technology.

The EPA first awarded the ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award in 2011, and focuses on a different product category or eco-conscious theme each year. Samsung is a two-time winner – in addition to recognition for 2017 refrigerators, the brand received the award in 2013 for its eco-friendly DV457 clothes dryer.

The Road to Energy Savings

Samsung’s new R-600a refrigerant is naturally occurring and climate-friendly, with no ozone depletion potential and very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) rating. R-600a requires less work to be done by the unit’s compressor, which not only reduces energy usage by 6.5% but also makes the refrigerator quieter than previous models.

Samsung developed the technology ahead of planned changes to refrigerant qualifications that EPA looks to influence by 2021. Equipped with the advanced technology, the 2017 award-winning refrigerators met the EPA’s new qualifications of a GWP rating below 15 while producing an energy efficiency gain of 5 percent or higher. Additionally, the R-600a refrigerant has been approved for use in the US market by the EPA’s Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) Program.

“Samsung strives to meet the highest environmental standards, and we are proud to be honored by the EPA for our innovative and eco-friendly refrigerator product development,” said Byung-Sam Seo, President of Home Appliances at Samsung Electronics.  “The R-600a refrigerant is a game-changer in terms of reducing energy usage, and we are proud of the advancements we’ve made to create more environmentally responsible home appliance products.”

In addition to being energy efficient, Samsung’s 2017 refrigeration line delivers more choice, flexibility and connectivity for consumers today.  New internal features such as enhanced precision cooling, flexible storage options and upgraded interior lighting are matched by updates to exterior details like redesigned handles and premium finishes, as well as seamless designs to fit well in any kitchen.

For more, please visit Samsung’s CES booth #15006, on Level 1 of the Central Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 5-8, 2017.

The Champion Award was presented to Samsung because of its use of sustainable materials in the Samsung Galaxy S6, and is the only mobile phone recognized by the EPA’s SMM program. The Samsung Galaxy S6 is 99.9 percent recyclable and comes in 100 percent recycled packaging. Additionally, the phone’s charger is made partially out of recycled plastic, and soy-bean ink is used to print the materials included with the smartphone.

The second award for e-waste leadership honors Samsung’s long-term commitment to the proper disposal and recycling of e-waste in the United States. In 2014, Samsung collected over 114 million pounds of e-waste in the U.S., one of the world’s biggest collectors of e-waste. Samsung is being recognized for the company’s robust voluntary collection network, as well as for the recycler audits the company conducts to confirm e-Stewards® compliance.

“As one of the two SMM Electronics Champion award winners, Samsung Electronics has shown exceptional leadership and innovation in the sustainable management of electronics and for demonstrating significant environmental, social and economic outcomes that go above and beyond the requirements of the SMM Electronics Challenge,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management. “I salute congratulate Samsung for their innovative efforts to divert electronics from landfills and recover valuable resources, and for its vision to make the Galaxy S6 mobile phone, its packaging, and its accessories meet high environmental standards while maintaining its status as a high-end product and I encourage others to follow their lead by implementing these best practices.”

“We are honored by the EPA’s acknowledgement of Samsung’s efforts in sustainability and e-waste leadership,” said Mark Newton, director of corporate environmental and regulatory affairs. “It has been a company-wide focus to grow our recycling and sustainable programs, and it is wonderful to be recognized for doing great work that helps preserve the environment.”

The awards were presented to Samsung today at a ceremony that was attended by representatives of the EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management, General Services Administration, and the Department of Energy.