In collaboration with mobile accessory company SLASH B SLASH, the latest collection is exclusively designed for the Galaxy S24 series — offering 57 cases² for customers to personalize their Galaxy S24, S24+ or S24 Ultra. Learn more about the newest Samsung Eco-Friends product line below.

▲ Samsung Eco-Friends accessories boast 16 popular IPs.

Captivating the Next Generation for the Past Three Years

Samsung Eco-Friends is a collection of accessories, including product cases and wearable straps, envisioned by Samsung’s Future Generation Lab.³ Reflecting the next generation’s preference for eco-conscious products, these accessories incorporate sustainable materials — such as recycled plastic and vegan leather that contain at least 40% post-consumer materials.⁴

Originally introduced in 2022, the expanded collection features popular characters and designs from around the world — including TOILETPAPER, Keith Haring, Smiley, The Simpsons and more. Sanrio characters⁵ like Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi and Cinnamoroll have been newly added to this year’s product line.

Designs inspired by The Rolling Stones, Queen and other artists offer users another way to express themselves. In particular, Samsung’s collaboration with K-pop boy band Stray Kids lets fans watch videos of their favorite members simply by inserting a near-field communication (NFC) card⁶ into the case. Each collectible card hosts a unique collection of videos and photos featuring individual Stray Kids members so fans can enjoy a one-of-a-kind, pocketable experience.

▲ (From left) Rolling Stones edition with tongue and lips logo and exclusive Galaxy theme

▲ Stray Kids edition plays a video of the artist when the NFC card is inserted.

Full of Charm and Wonder: Samsung Eco-Friends

On February 16, Samsung unveiled a video introducing “Samsung Eco-Friends” via its global social media channels including YouTube and Instagram.

The video showcases that plastic waste can be transformed into bold, innovative smartphone cases that are both unique and eco-conscious.

▲ Images from Samsung Eco-Friends video

“Using waste, we are making an effort to convey the values of a circular economy,” said Samsung’s Future Generation Lab. “We will continue to develop accessories that intrigue customers by utilizing various technologies.”

First released in Korea on February 6, Samsung Eco-Friends will soon be available in major markets worldwide⁷ including the U.S. and Japan. The accessories can be purchased at the company’s immersive Samsung Gangnam flagship store, as well as Samsung.com and SLASH B SLASH’s online mall.

¹ Produced by third-party manufacturers who design and produce Samsung-compatible accessories.
² The types and designs of accessories available for purchase may vary by country.
³ Consists of global Samsung employees in their 20s to foster authentic conversations around the activities of the next generation.
⁴ Calculated by volume.
⁵ Sanrio characters are only available in Korea and Japan.
⁶ The NFC Collectible Card is a card-type accessory that can be used with the Samsung Eco-Friends case. When the Stray Kids Collectible Card is inserted into the case, the wallpaper, icons and keypad are automatically changed to a Stray Kids theme.
⁷ The products will roll out in the first half of this year in more than 40 countries and the U.S.

Samsung Eco-Friends are accessories such as product cases and wearable straps that contain a minimum of 40% Post Consumer Material (PCM). The Samsung Eco-Friends lineup was planned by Samsung’s Future Generation Lab, which comprises global employees in their 20s and reflects the values and tastes of the younger generation. Future Generation Lab also helps partners expand their sales through the Samsung Mobile Accessory Partnership Program (SMAPP).

The new Samsung Eco-Friends products feature 11 characters and designs² popular across the globe. The collaboration brings the works of TOILETPAPER, Smiley and Keith Haring, as well as Disney, Marvel, Minions, Pokémon and Kakao Friends. The lineup also includes designs of famous K-pop artists, such as Stray Kids, SKZOO and BTS Dynamite.

In particular, the accessories with TOILETPAPER design are noteworthy. TOILETPAPER is an influential creative studio in Italy, known for its disruptive and experimental creative work. The studio’s designs have been applied to “Samsung Bespoke Refrigerator” panels, and now extending to mobile accessories. A rose graphic unveiled earlier this year, as well as its popular lipstick graphic, is applied to Samsung Eco-Friends.

The Samsung Eco-Friends lineup includes accessories for mobile products such as the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5, Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Buds2 Pro, as well as The Freestyle portable projector. A total of 64 products³ offer appealing characters and designs for customers to choose from to personalize their device.

Also available with this launch is the ability for customers to coordinate their foldable phone screens with Samsung Eco-Friends accessories through near-field communication (NFC) technology and QR codes. This allows users to express themselves with a design that is cohesive from case to screen.

With the introduction of the Galaxy Z Flip5, the exclusive Flipsuit case features an NFC-based Flipsuit card that enables a new experience by automatically playing screen themes when it is inserted into the product. By simply replacing the Flipsuit card provided by Samsung Eco-Friends, customers can easily set the screen theme depending on their preferences.

Samsung plans to continue to expand the use of recycled materials in Samsung Eco-Friends to deliver eco-conscious values, and update its lineup and design to enrich customers’ experiences.

¹ Samsung Eco-Friends is the name of a collection of accessories where each accessory of the Eco-Friends collection is made using at least 40% recycled materials for select Samsung devices. (Measured by total volume of each accessory.)
² The types and designs of accessories available for purchase may vary by countries.
³ The types and designs of accessories available for purchase may vary by countries.

The achievement was based on Samsung’s restored financial performance, which is now near pre-pandemic levels, and higher demand for memory due to an increase in data usage. In 2021, Samsung scored a brand value growth of 20% compared to 2020 and this year, continues the double-digit growth. Samsung first entered the top 10 list in 2012, placing in ninth position, and has managed to rise in the chart each year, reaching sixth place in 2017 and fifth place in 2020.

“Samsung Electronics was able to record two consecutive years of double-digit growth in brand value, all thanks to the support from our global customers,” said YH Lee, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Electronics. “In return, the entire company will work together as a team to provide a better and more satisfying customer experience.”

Various Factors Evaluated by Interbrand To Build the Samsung Brand Value

At the end of 2021, Samsung Electronics merged its SET Division and created the Device eXperience Division to increase synergy among its products and provide a next level of experience to customers. Furthermore, Samsung also launched the Customer eXperience-Multi Device Experience Center to strengthen its multi-device connection experience.

Along with these measures, Samsung has integrated the SmartThings across its product categories, creating an inclusive ecosystem and a multi-device experience. SmartThings also empowers consumers to get the most out of their Samsung devices, as well as third-party products they may already own.

In addition, Samsung’s Future Generation Lab has been created to foster authentic conversations around the activities of the next generation. The insights from the lab have been applied to the products and marketing activities.

As well as innovative products based on consumer experiences, the development of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, automotive and robotics through consistent investment also played a role in Samsung’s growth.

Samsung’s Recognized Efforts in Each Product Division for a Better Customer Experience

Mobile

• Camera innovation of Galaxy S22 series based on customers’ insights, and Nightography campaign rollout Cementing leadership in the foldable mobile phone category
• Partnership with Google and Microsoft to strengthen users’ connected experience
• Respecting the value of user security and privacy through Samsung Knox

Network

• Pioneering network innovation path in virtualization and openness with large-scale commercial experiences
• Driving 5G industry with its market-leading 5G portfolio from RAN and Core to automation tools
• Realizing the ESG commitment through intelligent network solutions for energy efficiency

Visual Display

• Continuing innovation of premium TVs, including Micro LED, the Neo QLED 8K/4K
• Strengthening its product portfolio based on customers’ lifestyle, such as The Frame, The Freestyle
• Providing new gaming experiences to consumers, including the Samsung Gaming Hub and the Odyssey Ark

Home Appliances

• Expanding Bespoke product categories beyond kitchen to entire home including clothing care, floor care and air care
• Delivering sustainability values through its products (achieving high level of energy saving rate for major products, guaranteed warranties for digital inverter compressor, reduced microplastic emission from washing machines in collaboration with Patagonia)
• Creating excitement among Bespoke fans through participation-focused online and offline campaigns

Semiconductor

• Investing in next-generation technologies and production capabilities to ensure stable supplies for cutting-edge applications (constructing new $17B manufacturing line in Texas, KRW 20-trillion R&D complex in Giheung)
• Delivering industry-leading semiconductor innovations that enhance product performance and energy efficiency (industry’s first 3nm GAA mass production)
• Developing innovative memory solutions to address the explosive growth of data-intensive tasks in areas such as AI and ML (CXL memory, HBM-PIM, second-generation SmartSSD), and expanding strategic partnerships to tackle new industry challenges
• Pushing boundaries of logic solutions that can offer enhanced user experiences and new opportunities (5G Exynos Modem, Exynos 2200, 200MP ISOCELL HP3)

Interbrand’s Best Global Brands are listed according to the evaluation of each brand value, which is a result of comprehensive analysis of the financial performance of the company, the influence of the brand on customer purchases and brand competitiveness.

The Future Gen House is a place where Generation Z (Gen Z) can be fully immersed in a hyper-connected experience provided by Samsung Electronics’ SmartThings.

SmartThings provides a comprehensive device-connected experience that fits a user’s own lifestyle. It not only connects Samsung products and services but other Smart devices as well. Devices such as TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners and more are all organically connected to create a customized space and experience according to a user’s requirements.

To familiarize and connect Gen Z to SmartThings, Samsung created the Future Gen House.

Based on the popular Gen Z trend of house sharing, the Future Gen House is equipped with a host of Samsung products all connected to SmartThings.

Inside the Future Gen House, each space is designed and curated around one of five different Gen Z interest categories, including gaming, entertainment, sports and fitness, cooking and design. There are also shared spaces, including a lounge and a dining room, where visitors can engage and interact with each other.

▲ Group photos of the Future Gen House in Korea and in the U.K.

Gen Z Samsung employees from the Future Generation Lab, Gen Z influencers and college students moved in and lived together at the house for two weeks. During their time at the Future Gen House, they interacted with Samsung’s products and SmartThings and created unique scenarios based on their own preferences and lifestyles.

Take a look at some of the exciting and unique experiences Gen Z visitors had in the Future Gen House in the videos below:

Remote Dance Battle: Have a Real-Time Online Dance Battles With Your Friends

When a friend texts you a specific keyword, the preset Remote Dance Mode is automatically activated through keyword recognition. The Sero, Samsung’s 4K Smart TV, and smart lighting are turned on, and the smartphone screen connects to The Sero through the Smart View feature during the video call.

Now, it’s time to enjoy the remote dance battle with your friends. You can change the color of the lighting using a smart button to set the vibe. By utilizing SmartThings, users can enjoy a hyper-connected experience with their loved ones, even when they’re far away.

Your Gym, My Gym, Our Gym: Create Your Own Fitness Room by Simply Tagging Your Smartphone

Change a shared fitness room into your own personal home gym with SmartThings. Simply tag your smartphone to the NFC sticker on the wall and enjoy your own personalized fitness mode. The fitness mode, which is preset by users, features activities such as dance, yoga and boxing mode. You can make any place your own customized space with SmartThings.

Surprise Birthday Party: A Super Simple Way to Prepare a Surprise Party

The moment you turn off the stove after preparing a meal for your friend’s birthday, the preset Birthday Party Mode is activated. A happy birthday message is displayed on the screen of The Frame, Samsung’s lifestyle TV, and the space where the party will take place becomes decorated with lights. Through this simple to use Birthday Party Mode setting in SmartThings, users can enjoy precious moments and make longer-lasting memories during special occasions.

SmartThings Mural Challenge: Create Your Own Mural With a Click of the S Pen Button

This year’s booth is being introduced by the all-new Future Generation Lab. The Future Generation Lab is a team of 73 dedicated Samsung employees, most of whom are in their 20s, who hail from every region of the world in which Samsung is present. The lab thus represents the generation that is set to blaze the path to the future: Gen Z. The team features voices from all kinds of disciplines, passions and skillsets, as well as cultural backgrounds.

Samsung’s Future Generation Lab has been created to foster important and authentic conversations around the activities and passions of the next generation by providing the members with a platform through which they can share their real and unfiltered takes – as well as their top tips for how Samsung technologies help them make the most out of what they do. The members of the lab discover insights based on grassroots engagement activities, and then conduct bold experiments based on their findings.

Take a look at the video below to see some of the members of the Future Generation Lab in action as they guide you around Samsung’s booth at CES 2022.