The report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s strategies, initiatives and performance in environmental, social and governance — highlighting ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable growth amid rapidly evolving industry dynamics and geopolitical uncertainty.

[Environment]

Building on its New Environmental Strategy announced in September 2022, Samsung remains committed to reaching net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions, maximizing resource circularity and addressing complex environmental challenges through technological innovation. Notably, the company is expanding its use of renewable energy to meet rising demand and reduce carbon emissions against the backdrop of rapid growth in AI technologies and related industries.

In pursuit of its 2030 net zero target for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, Samsung’s Device eXperience (DX) Division recorded a renewable energy transition rate of 93.4% as of the end of 2024. By applying high-efficiency energy technologies across seven product categories, it reduced average power consumption by 31.5% compared to 2019. Additionally, the DX Division signed new solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) at its Gumi and Gwangju sites to diversify renewable energy sourcing.

As part of its goal to apply recycled materials to all plastic components by 2050, Samsung incorporated recycled content into 31% of the plastic parts used in its products as of 2024.

The company also operates a range of e-waste collection programs in approximately 80 countries, including Korea, to strengthen global recycling and recovery systems.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s Device Solutions (DS) Division aims to reach net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050 through continued investment in large-scale regenerative catalytic systems (RCS) for integrated process gas treatment and expanded use of renewable energy.

All global DS Division sites received the highest Platinum “Zero Waste-to-Landfill” certification from UL Solutions, a leading environmental and safety certifier. In addition, all Korean manufacturing sites earned top-tier certification from the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) for excellence in water resource management.

[Social and Governance]

Samsung is strengthening its health and safety management systems with the goal of achieving zero major industrial accidents and a top-tier global lost time injury rate (LTIR) by 2030, ensuring a safe, healthy workplace for all employees.

In 2024, the company conducted human rights risk assessments across Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Middle East to identify and address key concerns. Based on stakeholder input from international organizations, NGOs and academia, Samsung developed and implemented a human rights risk management plan.

Within the supply chain, Samsung expanded the scope of third-party audits to 33 second-tier suppliers. Beginning in 2025, the company will implement a more advanced, integrated Supplier Code of Conduct to respond proactively to evolving global regulations.

Through the Samsung Software‧AI Academy for Youth (SSAFY) — one of the company’s flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs — Samsung invested 37.5 billion won in 2024 to train approximately 2,200 young software professionals. This year, the program will introduce eight new AI training courses and upgrade infrastructure to support hands-on use of AI models. The Samsung Hope Stepping Stone program assisted 14,362 youth preparing to transition from protective care, opening new centers in North Chungcheong Province and Daejeon. Another center is scheduled to open in Incheon in 2025 to support more young people in need.

Furthermore, Samsung upholds privacy protection, information security, compliance and ethical management as core business priorities. A company-wide governance framework is in place to ensure effective oversight.

This year’s report aligns with global disclosure standards and is integrated with Samsung’s Sustainability website to improve accessibility.

The full 2025 Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report can be downloaded here.

Samsung continues to disclose the results of materiality assessments focused on sustainable management that consider both the impacts of corporate activities on the external environment and external factors on the company. This report contains Samsung’s strategies and major achievements related to the environment, social and governance.

[Environment]
Climate Change and Energy │ Resource Circularity and Waste │ Water

In September 2022, Samsung announced its New Environmental Strategy which includes the company’s goals to achieve net zero Scope 1,2 emissions by 2050, maximize resource circularity to contribute to a circular economy and tackle environmental challenges through technological innovation.

Samsung’s Device eXperience (DX) division aims to reach net zero Scope 1,2 emissions by 2030. The DX division achieved 93.4% renewable energy conversion as of the end of 2023 — which includes 100% renewable energy used at major global manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Korea, China, Brazil, India and Vietnam.

In line with the company’s Resource Circularity Roadmap, recycled resin was incorporated in 25% of procured plastic parts purchased last year. Moreover, the DX division expanded its electronic waste (e-waste) recovery and recycling programs to more than 70 countries as of the end of 2023.

Samsung’s Device Solutions (DS) division installed new process gas treatment facilities (regenerative catalytic systems, RCS) and expanded the use of liquid natural gas (LNG) waste heat recovery systems in 2023 to help reach net zero Scope 1,2 emissions by 2050. As a result of various reduction activities, the DS division’s Scope 1,2 emissions decreased by 11.6% in 2023 compared to 2022. Additionally, the DS Division has expanded its renewable energy use by signing power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Korea to supply renewable energy from a 60-megawatt solar power plant.

Proving the excellence of its water management systems, Samsung obtained Platinum certification — the highest level — from the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) for its Giheung, Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek facilities in Korea and its Xi’an facility in China. Furthermore, the company is reducing waste generation by expanding the number of resource circularity certifications obtained from Korea’s Ministry of Environment to include certifications for nine new items as of March 2024. 

[Social and Governance] 
Employees │ Supply Chain │ Information Security and Protection │ Product Quality and Safety │ Business Conduct

Samsung is upholding human rights and improving working environments while striving to create a strong corporate culture for executives and employees. The Global Grievance Resolution Policy was enacted in April 2024 to ensure grievances received are fairly and consistently handled per the company’s Global Human Rights Principles. With a goal of increasing the number of women in the workforce, Samsung plans to more than double the baseline number of women executives by 2030 as compared to 2022.  

Continuing its support for employees with disabilities, Samsung opened a subsidiary standard workplace in 2023 called “Stellar Forest” to create sustainable jobs for people with developmental disabilities. Starting with a confectionary manufacturer that supplies baked goods to Samsung employees, Stellar Forest plans to diversify into additional industries to create more job opportunities fit for those with disabilities. 

Samsung is gradually expanding its supply chain management scope to include second-tier and non-manufacturing suppliers. Third-party audits were introduced to select second-tier suppliers in 2023, extending the Supplier Code of Conduct from manufacturing suppliers to all suppliers that provide products and services to Samsung. 

Furthermore, the company expanded its security platform Samsung Knox to cover not only smartphones but also smart TVs and smart home appliances. With regular security updates of Galaxy mobile devices, Samsung extended the support period for security updates up to seven years starting from January 2024. 

Samsung prioritizes personal information protection, product quality, customer safety, compliance and ethical management across the company. 

Samsung transparently and efficiently discloses related information through the Sustainability website. In addition, the company actively communicates with stakeholders through forums, surveys and on-site visits. 

Following the spread of non-financial information disclosures and other global trends, this year’s report faithfully communicates Samsung’s strategies, implementation activities and the current status of major sustainable management issues. 

The full text of the 2024 Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report can be downloaded here. 

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.

Outlining the performance of the company’s sustainability activities in 2021, this report includes major activities under its five sustainability pillars — Environment, Our Employees, Sustainable Supply Chain, Empowering Communities and Digital Responsibility. In particular, it highlights the following significant outcomes: stronger sustainability governance within the Board of Directors, expanded sustainability activities in the business units, joining the UN Global Compact and the placing of the Sustainability Council under the direct supervision of the CEO in 2022.

During 2021, Samsung Electronics put sustainability first while managing its business interests and significantly strengthened its sustainability governance to ensure this principle continues to be applied to all parts of its organization. To strengthen the Board of Directors’ supervision of sustainable activities in 2021, the Governance Committee, which had formerly been under the remit of the Board of Directors, was expanded to the Sustainability Committee in July 2021. The Sustainability Council, an executive-level consultative body, was placed under the leadership of the CEO earlier in 2022.

Samsung Electronics is making efforts to offer sustainable products to its customers. As part of these efforts, it has rolled out eco-conscious innovations including smartphones and monitors that incorporate materials recycled from discarded fishing nets and ocean-bound plastics and new, low-power semiconductors. It has also developed AI-based SmartThings Energy, a service that helps conserve energy by using a power saving mode that smart home appliances come equipped with, and SolarCell Remote Controls, which can be charged by sunlight or indoor lighting.

In addition, the company increased its renewable energy use by 31%, compared to 2020, by continuously expanding the use of renewable energy across its business premises worldwide. It also plans to achieve 100% renewable energy in its business premises in Latin America and Southwest Asia by 2025, a goal which has already been reached in the U.S., Europe and China.

The company is also expanding its cooperation with its stakeholders in relation to sustainability. In March 2022, the company joined the UN Global Compact, a specialized organization under the United Nations that was established in 2000 with the aim of promoting the sustainable growth of companies and society at large. It is also developing a washing machine that reduces the impact of microplastics in collaboration with Patagonia.

Finally, Samsung Electronics is carrying out numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities that focus on education with the aim of fostering the technological capabilities of future generations, Creative Lab (C-Lab) projects that contribute to the vitality and diversity of the Korean startup ecosystem and the Future Technology Cultivation Initiative, which supports creative and innovative Research & Development (R&D) in the areas of basic science, novel materials and information and communications technology (ICT). One example of particular note is a team led by professors at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) supported by the Future Technology Cultivation Initiative. The team’s achievements were published in Nature.

The full text of the 2022 Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report can be downloaded here.

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

Ask yourself: what happens to your old smartphone? Maybe you throw it in a drawer or maybe you toss it in the trash to eventually end up in a landfill. Without properly disposing of our old devices, we all contribute to the rapidly growing global problem of electronic waste – or ‘e-waste’.

Each year, the world produces more than fifty million tons¹ of waste from electronics alone, and less than 20% is formally recycled. Our world’s resources are finite, and we need to find a better, more sustainable way to use technology – one that transforms our system into a circular economy that continuously reuses and recycles our materials in an infinite loop.

We believe e-waste is a problem that we can tackle together. Seemingly simple actions can have a large ripple effect.

For example, did you know that extending the lifespan of all smartphones and other electronic devices by just one year can save as much carbon emissions as taking two million cars off the road² each year?

We know that no one can solve this e-waste problem on their own. At Samsung, we have the responsibility and the opportunity to offer the infrastructure and the inspiration to our Galaxy users, so we can make progress together. Through our new sustainability platform, Galaxy for the Planet, we are committed to protecting the planet in everything we do from diverting all waste from landfills by 2025 to combatting global e-waste.

Across the product lifecycle, we’re enabling the entire Galaxy ecosystem to take simple, individual actions – billions of actions around the world – that, when amplified on a global scale, have the power to create positive change. Samsung offers several programs focused on promoting more eco-conscious habits in our daily lives that help Galaxy users to reduce, reuse and recycle the waste generated from old electronic devices.

REDUCE

Minimizing Waste With Product Repair

Around the world, we have nearly 5,000 Customer Service Centers with certified technicians who can help give your old Galaxy device a tune-up, even if you’re already set on purchasing a brand-new device. Through our Product Repair services, we’re helping you make your device last longer and cut down e-waste.

Optimizing Product Life With Android OS Upgrades

We help users maximize the life of their current device by supporting three generations of Android operating system (OS) upgrades and firmware security updates for a minimum of four years on millions of Galaxy devices.³ With this offering, we are extending the lifecycle of our Galaxy products and making a promise that we will provide a simple and secure mobile experience that takes advantage of the latest innovations for good.

REUSE

Creating New Possibilities With Galaxy Upcycling

Our Galaxy Upcycling initiative enables consumers to repurpose Galaxy smartphones – giving them new life and opening new possibilities and extended value. Whether we’re providing innovative technologies to bring greater access to ophthalmic health care for underserved populations or converting smartphones into Internet of Things (IoT) devices like a baby or pet monitor, these simple changes not only help meet our personalized lifestyle needs but also foster a more circular economy.

Extending the Life of Our Devices Through Trade-In and Certified Re-Newed

Through our Trade-In and Certified Re-Newed (CRN) programs, we collect old and unused smartphones and prepare them to be reused for new uses and users. For example, users can donate their old smartphones for an instant credit toward a new one with our Trade-In program. Through Certified Re-Newed, old devices are evaluated, updated and repaired and receive the Certified Re-Newed stamp of approval, allowing us to offer like-new, powerful Galaxy technology to consumers while putting less strain on the planet.

RECYCLE

Transforming Waste With Take-Back

Our Take-Back program⁴ encourages users to donate old or unused smartphones, tablets and PCs to be recycled properly and safely. Rather than generating additional e-waste, Samsung will collect your unwanted electronics and repurpose them in new ways and ensure the materials in your devices don’t end up in a landfill.

When you participate in just one of these programs, you’re contributing to the sustainability efforts of Galaxy users across the globe who are joining together to combat this environmental issue. Together, we’re promoting a more circular economy and protecting our planet’s natural resources for generations to come. Consider participating in our programs today!

Samsung is dedicated to delivering innovative technologies that help build a better future and empower users to adopt more sustainable practices. This also includes taking tangible action to reduce our environmental impact and reshape consumer experiences through our sustainability platform, Galaxy for the Planet.

To view Samsung’s sustainability progress, check out the 2021 Sustainability Report.

¹ World Economic Forum, New Circular Vision for Electronics, 2019

² World Economic Forum, How to Save the Planet, One Mobile Device at a Time, 2020

³ Availability of Android OS upgrades and security updates may vary by device and market. Upgrade schedule will depend on factors including but not limited to complexity of the update, model, as well as market penetration and more.

⁴ To learn more, please visit Samsung Customer Service Center in your region.

▲ The cover of Samsung Electronics’ 2021 Sustainability Report

On June 28, Samsung Electronics released the 2021 edition of its Sustainability Report.

Covering the corporate sustainability efforts in 2020, the report includes highlights in each of the following areas: Board of Directors’ independence and transparency; stronger compliance and ethical management; sustainability governance; sustainability in the pandemic era; sustainability achievements by business unit. Detailed activities are presented under the five sustainability pillars of Environment, Our Employees, Empowering Communities, Digital Responsibility and Sustainable Supply Chain.

In this year’s report, the company highlights the new voices of both internal and external stakeholders such as MZ generation employees and NGOs, on top of the message by the Chair of the Board and top management on its unwavering commitment to corporate sustainability.

Following the separation of the Chair and the CEO within its Board of Directors in 2018, Samsung Electronics appointed its first-ever independent director as Chair of the Board in 2020.

For stronger compliance and ethical management, the company elevated its Compliance team to directly report to the CEO, and to ensure the independence and authority of Chief Compliance Officer. The company also expanded a reporting system in which an outside stakeholder can anonymously report a legal violation. The Samsung Compliance Committee, an independent entity separate from Samsung Electronics was also established to strictly monitor compliance risks.

The sustainability governance was also further enhanced. In 2020, the Sustainability Council started to be led by the Head of Corporate Management Office. Furthermore, the Corporate Sustainability Center in charge of sustainability strategies and stakeholder engagement was promoted as a direct organization under the CEO. In addition, Sustainability Management Offices were newly established in business units to strengthen execution of sustainability strategies. Since 2021, sustainability KPIs have been added into the performance evaluation and compensation of executives, encouraging them to consider sustainability management in all parts of the business.

In 2020, Samsung Electronics made various efforts to ensure the safety of its employees, its business partners, and local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company operated in-house screening clinics in Hwaseong, Suwon and Gumi in Korea, and provided personal hygiene products to its employees. Samsung also provided its business partners that were facing economic challenges with business stabilization funds and logistics expenses, among others. Also, the company has donated Galaxy Tab devices to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency for refugee camp youths in Kenya, whose educational environment has worsened due to COVID-19.

The report also presented the sustainability performance by business unit including Consumer Electronics (CE) division’s Eco-Package and solar cell remote control; the Information Technology & Mobile Communications (IM) division’s Galaxy Upcycling and the Samsung Global Goals Campaign; and the Device Solutions (DS) division’s strides in reducing the energy consumption of products as well as activities aimed at reducing the carbon emissions from manufacturing processes.

Environment-related performance can also be found in the report. In 2018, Samsung committed to source renewable energy for 100% of all worksites in the U.S., China and Europe by 2020. With implemented action plans tailored to each region, the company achieved its renewable energy target for these worksites in 2020.

The company also amended its labor and human rights policies in 2020. It strengthened its Child Labor Prohibition Policy and Migrant Worker Policy. In the Global Code of Conduct, Samsung also guaranteed the right to freedom of association. The report also highlights how the company strived to strengthen its supply chain management and to improve the work environment of suppliers.

For diversity and inclusion, Samsung established its vision, entitled “Be Yourself, We Build a Better Tomorrow” and continued to lead the initiatives through concerted actions with its global employees.

With its vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’, Samsung has been and will continue to operate social contribution activities focusing on youth education and growth for their sustainable development. As described in the report, Samsung launched educational support programs globally to develop the future technological capabilities of youths. Also the company launched C-lab Outside program in Korea that is designed to foster the startup ecosystem.

Samsung has published the Sustainability Report on an annual basis since 2008. The 2021 Sustainability Report was designed in landscape format for better readability and includes enhanced interactive functions that are optimized for viewing on digital devices.

The full text of the 2021 Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report can be downloaded here.

▲ Samsung’s 2021 Sustainability Report covers the company’s activities and achievements in detail.

The cover of Samsung Electronics’ 2020 Sustainability Report

With the release of this year’s report, Samsung Electronics endeavors to offer a measure of hope and assistance amidst the ongoing global health crisis. The company aims to do this by sharing insights it has gained over the past 50 years protecting the safety and wellbeing of employees and partners, and solving challenges for customers and local communities. These efforts, which are covered in detail in the report, include 1) establishing a dedicated team in the early stage of a crisis, and creating a working environment that puts safety first in accordance with the guidelines of various countries’ health authorities, and 2) maintaining a safe supply chain and providing local communities with technical support, technology, know-how and infrastructure.

The report also discusses the outcomes of sustainable management activities across various business units. For example, the report outlines how Samsung’s most recent sustainable initiatives span not just products but also packaging, upcycling, and the processing of materials. In this way, the report makes each business unit’s commitment to and investment in sustainable resource management abundantly clear.

These efforts have led to a number of milestone achievements in 2019 that are outlined in detail in this year’s report.

Last year, Samsung’s renewable energy usage reached 92 percent in the U.S., China and Europe. As the report notes, as remarkable as that figure is, it could soon be eclipsed, as Samsung is on track to reach 100 percent by the end of the year.

Samsung’s total renewable energy usage increased by 14 times compared to 2017, from 229 GWh to 3,220 GWh. And in recognition of their success expanding the use of renewable energy, the United States Environmental Protection Agency presented Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Samsung Austin Semiconductor, LLC, and Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. with the 2019 Green Power Leadership Award for Excellence.

The company also took significant steps toward transitioning to a circular economy, which prioritizes utilizing sustainable materials and minimizes waste. In particular, disposable materials such as plastic and vinyl are gradually being replaced in packaging with sustainable resources like paper. By the end of this year, Samsung plans to replace all paper used in product packaging for its Consumer Electronics and IT & Mobile Communications divisions with sustainably sourced paper.

In addition, the company made significant progress on strengthening education with regard to labor and human rights. Together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Samsung organized educational sessions for human resource personnel that discussed the ethical recruitment of migrant workers to help protect their human rights. In 2020, the company will launch a newly developed labor and human rights training program in collaboration with Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), a sustainability consulting firm.

Under the principle of demonstrating transparent and responsible business practices, for the first time, Samsung appointed an Independent Director as Chairman of its Board of Directors. This individual will serve as an intermediary between the Board’s Executive Directors and Independent Directors who supervises the company’s management activities more objectively.

The report elaborates on activities related to six key themes – Commitment to the Environment in Our Operations, Product Stewardship, Enabling People, Technology for Good, Investing in Our Employees, and Sustainable Supply Chain. The company has also disclosed the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) index for the first time, and strengthened measures for disclosing information based on the guidelines of the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD), which were first revealed last year.

Interested readers can also explore how Samsung has implemented sustainability management activities centered on ESG (the environment, society and governance) to contribute to the recent trend of companies fulfilling their social responsibilities.

Samsung Electronics’ 2020 Sustainability Report can be downloaded here.

Samsung’s 2020 Sustainability Report covers the company’s main business activities and achievements in extensive detail.

The report also makes it easy to catch up on important activities related to specific themes.

¹ Corporate sustainability management refers to business activities in which a company pursues sustainability in addition to profit by fulfilling its social, economic and environmental responsibilities. As calls for corporations to take on greater social responsibility began to grow across the globe in the 2000s, corporate sustainability management emerged as a paradigm that was essential for corporate survival.

The Green Power Leadership Award recognizes America’s leading businesses, organizations, programs, and individuals for their outstanding commitment and achievement in significantly advancing the development of green power sources. Samsung was one of seventeen organizations nationwide to receive the Green Power award.

As of 2018, Samsung 837, located in New York City is ranked among all ENERGY STAR buildings with a score of 99/100.

“We are honored by this prestigious Green Power Leadership recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said Mark Newton, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Samsung Electronics North America. “As demonstrated by our expanded use of green power, Samsung is focused on protecting our planet and doing our part as a global environmental steward to reduce our environmental impact and increase the deployment of renewable energy technologies. We strive to use our business to initiate change in our company, the industry and beyond.”

From 2017 to 2018, Samsung Electronics America, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, LLC, and Samsung Semiconductor increased their green power usage over 56 percent through a purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from wind farms as well as a rooftop solar array.

Samsung is a proud partner of the EPA’s Green Power Partnership (GPP), a voluntary program that helps increase green power use among organizations to advance the American market for green power. Samsung is No. 8 on EPA’s National Top 100 Partners list and No. 6 on the Top 30 Tech and Telecom Partners list. Each list highlights EPA Green Power Partners using the most renewable energy annually as of July 2019.

In June 2018, Samsung announced its goal to source 100 percent renewable energy for energy used in its establishments – factories, office buildings and operational facilities – in the U.S., Europe and China by 2020. This goal is rooted in Samsung’s mission to serve as a global environmental steward, reduce its environmental footprint, and contribute to the advancement of the voluntary green power market.

Samsung Semiconductor’s solar array produces 800,000 kWh of green power annually.

From 2017 to 2018, Samsung Electronics America, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, LLC, and Samsung Semiconductor increased their green power usage over 56 percent from 792,096,012 kWh to 1,236,305,518 kWh through a purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from wind farms as well as a rooftop solar array. This green power use, which is equivalent to the electricity use of approximately 115,000 average American homes annually, represents 100 percent of the total power needs of Samsung Electronics America, Samsung Austin Semiconductor and Samsung Semiconductor. As part of their green power use, Samsung Semiconductor invested in a new rooftop solar array at its San Jose, CA campus, producing 800,000 kWh annually.

For more information on the company’s ongoing corporate sustainability initiatives, which includes driving improvements across all areas of business, please visit:

• Samsung Electronics America: https://www.samsung.com/us/aboutsamsung/sustainability/strategy/
• Samsung Austin Semiconductor: https://www.samsung.com/us/sas/Sustainability/Approach
• Samsung Electronics’ 2019 Sustainability Report

It is often said that the world is running out of oil reserves, and humanity only has enough for a couple more decades. One reason for this is the sheer amount of resources that are being wasted. Many products are simply used once, and then thrown in the garbage. That sort of waste is costly – both in terms of disposal costs and for the burden it imposes on the environment.

However, an environmentally-conscious trend has emerged that aims at mitigating this problem – the “Circular Economy.” As opposed to a linear economy, in which resources are used one time and then thrown away, the circular economy works to minimize resource waste, boosting sustainability by repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing products.

The circular economy represents a major policy initiative, focusing both on boosting economic development and environmental protection. It reduces the costs of extracting and processing resources, while lessening the environmental impact caused by excessive waste. To implement a circular-style economic system, companies need to decrease the quantity of natural resources they use and redesign their production system so resources can last longer. Additionally, products should be reused after production, recycled after disposal to find new life.

Circular Economy Efforts Globally

Today, many countries are working toward circular economies. In particular, the nations of the European Union (“EU”) have been the most active in making this transition. The EU first put forward a Circular Economy Package in July 2014 and is continuing to improve its associated systems and technical standards.

Major international cooperation organizations, including the UN and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), are also encouraging the development of related circular economy policies, conducting a wide range of research into efficient resource utilization. That research includes how to assess resource sustainability, mineral recycling rates, and economic policy.

In the electronics industry, the circular economy requires designing products that are easy to upgrade and repair, as well as increasing the use of recyclable parts. More changes will occur in the manufacturing industry as various EU policies take effect, including in the areas of resource efficiency, product policies, waste alleviation, and finance.

How Samsung Reuses, Conserves, and Uses Resources Longer

To do its part to support the circular economy, Samsung Electronics is engaging in a range of activities that improve the efficiency of its resource usage and minimize the waste it generates. Among those steps, Samsung is trying to ease the repair and recycling of its products from the planning and designing stages, as well as prohibiting the use of harmful elements in its parts.

One example is with recycling plastics. Samsung Electronics is increasingly using plastics from disposed of electronics goods, processing the plastics for reuse in some new products. It is also designing products that are easier to disassemble, to increase recyclability. Furthermore, Samsung Electronics changes parts, reinstalls software, or changes labels for returned products and sells them as refurbished phones for reduced prices. This service is provided in the U.S. and U.K., and improves resource efficiency by facilitating the reuse of goods.

Another example is in recycling packing materials. In Korea, packing materials for items like refrigerators used to be thrown away after being used just one time. But then Samsung changed the material it uses for packing, switching to more durable materials, so now packing materials can be reused. Recycled paper is also being used for the boxes that cellphones and PCs come in. In 2015 in Korea alone, Samsung Electronics recycled 79,950 tons of products, including refrigerators, washing machines and displays, as well as 7,040 tons of packaging.

The company is also reducing the resources it uses by minimizing screen thickness, bezel width, and TV screen weight. Products with rapid replacement cycles, like cellphones, can be restored as usable products. In some countries, Samsung collects old cellphones from consumers, then repairs and refurbishes them. Those restored devices can be provided to consumers at an affordable price, once again saving on resources.

Samsung’s efforts to implement a circular economy are not limited to recycling resources. The company is also working to release products with a longer life expectancy, so that consumers can use them for a long time before needing replacements. Software is updated regularly to help extend device lifespans. Furthermore, the company provides a range of customer assistance services, both online and offline, so consumers can resolve issues that may arise with their products and use them longer.

The world is striving to create a more circular economy, and Samsung Electronics is actively trying to make those changes, too. Creating a more sustainable economy will change the world in many ways, and Samsung will continue to do all it can to implement environmental and resource-related solutions while producing the best products.