In recognition of World Health Day, Samsung Newsroom is looking back at the first year of the program’s implementation, which has upcycled hundreds of secondhand Galaxy devices and provided basic eye care for over 3,000 patients in Morocco, India and Papua New Guinea.

Upcycling Galaxy Technology Into Diagnosis Cameras

Globally, 1.1 billion people suffer from vision loss — 90% of which live in low- and middle-income countries and lack access to affordable and quality eye health care. To address this, Samsung has partnered with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and Yonsei University Health System (YUHS) to transform old and unused Galaxy technology into medical diagnosis cameras called EYELIKE fundus cameras, which allow both medical and non-medical professionals to screen patients for conditions that may lead to blindness.

“We are proud of our team at Samsung who helped infuse upcycled technology to diagnose visual impairment in patients through the EYELIKE platform,” said Dr. Aloknath De, Executive Consulting Director, Open Innovation of Samsung R&D Institute in Bangalore.

Establishing Accessible Eye Care Services in Morocco

Since the introduction of EYELIKE in Morocco, Samsung has partnered with Global Care and 21 other organizations — including public health centers and private clinics — to repurpose 60 units of older smartphones into the EYELIKE Fundus Camera.

“In Morocco, we lack medical personnel and ophthalmic medical equipment, so I’m optimistic EYELIKE will bring huge benefits — especially to patients who live in remote regions,” said optician Mohcine Ait Hida.

Local optometrists have been using the camera to screen over 2,028 patients and provide post-diagnosis care, including prescribing glasses for 128 people, scheduling follow-up appointments with 205 people and connecting 50 people to eye hospitals for additional medical treatment.

Conducting Patient Outreach Programs in India

Recognizing that blindness is a prevailing problem in India, Samsung has upcycled nearly 200 units of secondhand smartphones and provided them to local hospitals. This innovative approach has proved to be a breakthrough for patients like Jamuna Prasad who has been repeatedly prescribed glasses for his declining eyesight for over a year. After his eyes were checked with the EYELIKE Fundus Camera at the Primary Eye Care Center at Sitapur Eye Hospital, he finally received a correct diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. According to his optometrists, Jamuna’s eyesight has been improving ever since.

At the same time, many patients living in remote communities don’t always have the same access that Jamuna Prasad had to a vision center. Thanks to the portable nature of the cameras, optometrists can travel to remote villages through outreach programs and screen people for potential eye diseases. As a result of the EYELIKE Fundus Camera, over 1,000 patients in India have received screenings through both local medical institutions and outreach programs.

Training Medical Staff in Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, health care facilities often struggle to find trained eye doctors and vital equipment necessary for treating retinal diseases. This situation is only being exacerbated by the prevalence of blindness across the country. For a population of over 9 million, there are only 14 trained ophthalmologists and three fundus cameras nationwide.

“Thanks to the partnership program and the EYELIKE fundus cameras, we now have enough cameras to expand care and screening services on a national scale,” said Dr. Jambi Garap, President of the National Prevention of Blindness Committee and the Lecturer in Ophthalmology at University of Papua New Guinea. “We’re currently training doctors in hopes that they can help diagnose patients nationally and improve people’s understanding of the illnesses they have.”

The EYELIKE program is helping to fill the health equity gap by training doctors and other clinic staff, even in rural communities, to screen patients using the device. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions causing a delay in patient screenings, Dr. Garap looks forward to resuming these screenings this year. She hopes to dispatch additional trainers to rural communities to provide staff with further training, in addition to conducting research on rare eye disorders such as Eales disease with the EYELIKE devices.

Advancing Samsung’s Sustainability Vision

As part of its mission to harness technology for good by positively impacting both people and the planet, Samsung plans to elevate this partnership through continuous technical support and open collaboration to allow for the continued nationwide training and screening of patients.

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 actions to reduce our environmental impact and reshape consumer experiences through our sustainability platform, Galaxy for the Planet. EYELIKE specifically helps Samsung minimize its environmental impact by supporting its goal to achieve zero waste to landfills and reduce e-waste by 2025.

About International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector, with more than 150 organizations in over 100 countries working together for a world where everyone has universal access to eye care. IAPB focuses on advocacy efforts to unite the sector behind the recommendations of the World Report on Vision and the Sustainable Development Goals.

About Yonsei University Health System

Yonsei University Health System (YUHS) is the first modern medical institution in South Korea, and it has been a leading medical institution in the country for more than 130 years. Severance Hospital and Yonsei University College of Medicine are part of the Yonsei University Health System.

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.

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.

This is why the company is this June launching a month-long celebration of sustainability initiatives, programs, and innovations to celebrate World Environment Day, a global day of sustainability awareness created by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) that sees participation from people all around the world.

In order to encourage people to embrace creative and sustainable solutions for World Environment Day this year, Samsung is kicking off its month of sustainable celebration with the launch of Small World, a make-it-yourself cardboard collection to give packaging a second life developed in collaboration with artist Papersmith.

In order to bring the Small World program to life, Samsung collaborated with renowned Amsterdam-based paper artist AJ Smith, known as Papersmith, to create an astonishing art piece featuring buildings, animals, and plants built from the product packaging of Samsung TVs, Galaxy S21, Galaxy Buds Pro – and more – alone. What’s more, people around the world, too, can get involved at home through twelve downloadable prints of some of the characters featured in Small World. Along with this do-it-yourself cardboard template collection, users can then share their creations online using the hashtag #ReimagineABetterPlanet.

Towards a Better World for All

This June, Samsung is also going to highlight its existing range of programs, initiatives, and products that support environmental sustainability across the company’s social media channels and website, including the Galaxy Upcycling and Galaxy Upcycling at Home programs that encourage the repurposing of older smartphones into IoT devices and the company’s industry-leading energy-efficient memory chips that enable smarter power consumption from the inside out.

When It Comes to Sustainability, Every Bit Counts

When it comes to sustainability, no effort is too small. Accordingly, another event during Samsung’s month of sustainability awareness is seeing the company put the power of innovation right into the hands of its own employees. This June, Samsung employees based in Korea are set to have the opportunity to take part in an eco-conscious Idea Contest, hosted on the company’s collaboration platform, called MOSAIC. Starting June 9, employees will have two-weeks to share their own ingenious and creative eco-conscious product or service ideas via MOSAIC. By the end of the month, the winners of the competition will be announced internally and awards granted to the submissions that best build on or complement the company’s existing product, service, and packaging sustainability solutions.

Samsung Electronics strives to incorporate environmental sustainability into everything we do. Our products are thoughtfully designed to minimize the impact on the environment during their entire lifecycle – from planning and manufacturing to consumption and recycling.

Stay tuned for more updates on Small World, the Eco-conscious idea contest, and more during this June’s month-long celebration of sustainability, and be sure to share your own sustainable creations with the hashtag #ReimagineABetterPlanet.

Science and technology have made our lives easier and more convenient thanks to the addition of various innovative products and services into our daily routines. But the downside of these additions has been the development of serious global environmental challenges including climate change and resource depletion – issues that threaten the future of our world.

In order to help mitigate these issues, Samsung Electronics strives to incorporate environmental sustainability into everything we do. Let’s take a look at how Samsung’s eco-conscious product innovation and consumer engagement come together to help us all achieve a sustainable future.

Senior Vice President Hyeongnam Kim, Head of Global CS Center, Samsung Electronics

Minimizing the Environmental Impact of a Product’s Entire Life Cycle

Based on the principle of product stewardship, our products are thoughtfully designed to minimize their impact on the environment. Samsung is deeply engaged in activities to minimize the environmental impact of its products throughout their entire life cycle – from development and manufacturing to distribution and usage through to after-sales service and recycling.

Firstly, Samsung incorporates environmental concerns into its product development process. To this end, the company has introduced an Eco-Design Process to evaluate its products against eco-conscious standards across different countries, including the U.S. and Korea. In 2008, the company established a company-wide eco-committee and division-level task forces to step up its efforts in developing eco-conscious products. To this day, Samsung is committed to developing innovative, high-performing products that have minimal impact on the environment.

Samsung’s emphasis on sustainability continues into the manufacturing stage. The company has been expanding its usage of renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal heat in its facilities and is also incorporating the use of recycled water and waste. As a representative example, Samsung has also made strides in sustainability by sourcing 100% renewable electricity for all its facilities in the U.S., Europe and China last year. What’s more, Samsung plans to expand the usage of renewable energy to the rest of its facilities around the world following the development of local systems and infrastructure in each region.

Moving on to the distribution stage, Samsung has replaced its plastic and shrink wrap with packaging made of renewable biomaterials in order to reduce packaging waste. The company also now holds its paper suppliers to requiring a Forest Stewardship certification, and following these efforts, managed to completely replace all the paper used in the manuals and packaging for its mobile and consumer electronics products at the end of 2020.

Samsung helps users decrease their electricity consumption during the usage stage of a product’s lifecycle by providing them with energy-efficient products – thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the company is making continuous efforts towards developing durable products and a quick and easy repair process, since if consumers use their products for longer, they are then making a difference by reducing their environmental impact.

Going through to the final stage of a product’s lifecycle, disposal, Samsung is continuing to pioneer its waste collection and recycling programs around the globe, currently operating in 55 different countries. Users can in the U.S., for example, can drop off their end-of-life mobile devices at any of over 500 uBreakiFix locations, an independent repair chain. The company is also currently planning to expand its closed-loop recycling system in order to recover and reuse more iron, copper and plastics from e-waste.

Reducing 301 Million Tons of Greenhouse Gas Through Initiative and Innovation

Thanks to its product stewardship practices, Samsung has reduced the average energy consumption per unit of a product by 32%,¹ equivalent to the cumulative reduction of 301 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the past 12 years since 2009. The company has also recycled over 4.54 million tons of e-waste through its global e-waste collection sites from 2009 to 2020.

To encourage customers to use their products for longer as part of a circular economy, Samsung has established a quick and easy repair process for users, through which the company supplies product repair information and parts to contracted repair shops as well as independent repair stores.

Upholding User Values Through Eco-Conscious Upcycling

Going beyond employing eco-conscious practices solely in the development of its products, Samsung has been making various efforts to reduce the use of resources across all of its supply lines in order to promote more sustainable consumption.

Last year, Samsung introduced its revolutionary Eco-Packaging for its TV products made from cardboard boxes in an effort to encourage upcycling and creativity in users, as they can form animal toys or small furniture pieces using their discarded packaging.

In addition, Samsung has also recently launched its Galaxy Upcycling at Home program, which enables users to harness their unused Galaxy smartphones as IoT devices, in Korea, the U.S. and U.K. The program also repurposes older smartphones into medical diagnosis cameras, helping to address vision impairment cases that are preventable with proper diagnosis.

We at Samsung are dedicated to creating a sustainable future that provides a better life for all by introducing creative eco-conscious products and solutions across all of our business areas. With a focus on sustainable management, we are putting carbon reduction, resource circulation and ecosystem restoration at the forefront of our efforts to protect the environment.

¹ Figure from 2020 compared with 2008 level of energy consumption.

With all that has happened over the past year, it is now more important than ever before to assure our present and our future. The time is now to put our commitments into action.

Sometimes, big changes start with small actions. Leaving a positive impact on the environment can start in the form of small things we do at home to the purchase decisions we make when buying devices. Here are 4 mini projects that you can easily embark on during World Environment Day that will help make a big difference:

Give used packaging a second lease of life

Offering something for everyone, Samsung’s eco-packaging can be transformed into fun and functional household items such as bedside shelves, coffee tables and even cat houses!

Packaging materials serve a crucial role of protecting a product from damage before it gets into the hands of consumers. But given the materials they are made of, product packaging has so much more to offer beyond the delivery and unpacking stage.

For years now, many of us have been reusing product packaging such as cardboard boxes for storage. However, with some ingenuity and the right stationery, cardboards can actually be redesigned into proper home furniture! Today, there are plenty of hobbyist websites that show you how to covert cardboards into amazing furniture such as chairs, tables and even playhouses.

Samsung’s Eco-Package, for instance, lets consumers convert their product packaging into functional and fun furniture such as shoe racks, mini coffee tables and even cat houses! All you need to do is cut out the packaging by following the printed dots and assemble the parts to create an amazing item! For more design inspiration, check out: https://www.samsung-ecopackage.com/

Eliminate the (energy) vampire in your home

Galaxy Smartphone Chargers are designed to reduce energy consumption when in “standby mode”

You might think that there is no energy consumption when a device is not in use or not plugged in. However, even when on ‘standby,’ most devices have main components that are still running[1], ready to use anytime.

This represents a major source of energy inefficiency. Standby power usage accounts for about 10% of the total power consumption of households[2], giving it the notorious nickname: “The Power Vampire”. As a consumer, you can play a part in reducing energy consumption by looking out for devices built to attain near-zero standby power instead.

Since 2012, Samsung has reduced the standby power consumption of flagship Galaxy devices’ chargers to address the problem of power waste[3]. This has led to collective savings 13 million kilowatts (kW) of energy[4] – equivalent to the energy output of 4.5 hydroelectric power plants!

We have since applied this enhancement to the chargers of devices throughout our product range[5] and are currently aiming to reduce the standby power consumption of chargers to zero.

Look out for innovative technology built on sustainability

Launched in 2021, Samsung’s Solar cell-powered remote control will collectively prevent the wastage of 99 million AA batteries over the course of seven years.

Cutting-edge innovations can be built with sustainability in mind. When making purchase considerations as a consumer, you can play a part in protecting the environment by looking out for sustainability practices and green features. Ultimately, when you are using a device with built-in sustainability features, you are not only helping the environment – you will most likely enjoy savings in the long run too!

At Samsung, our sustainability-based approach to innovation has transpired into many new devices with best-in-class sustainability features, including:

• The Solar cell-powered remote control[6], which can be recharged through outdoor lighting or USB. Collectively, this will prevent the wastage of around 99 million AA batteries over the course of seven years[7].

• Our flagship AI Ecobubble washing machines, which leverage AI to optimize water, detergent and wash cycles, cuts wash time by up to 50% and energy usage by 20%[8] – going easy on the environment and utility bills!

• The Wind-Free Air Conditioner, which reduces energy consumption by 77%[9].

Upcycle your old devices

New innovations within the consumer electronics space are being introduced at breakneck speeds. Understandably, you would be inclined to purchase the latest gadgets to better support your lifestyles at some point.

However, this doesn’t have to mark the end of the line for your existing devices! Instead of disposing an old device, give it a new lease of life through upcycling. With a little dose of creativity, you can give your old device a new job by using it for a completely different purpose.

Here are a few simple thought-starters to give your old smartphone a new lease of life:

1. Use it as a permanent in-car GPS
2. Use it as a security camera at home to monitor your children, pets or elderly parents via an app
3. Use it as a standalone music player by connecting to your favourite speakers
4. Use it as a bedside e-book reader

Inspire others and do your part for collective action

Ultimately, every single action counts towards a greater good and your environmental-friendly habits will go a long way to inspire those around you. Let’s make this World Environmental Day more than just a social media post!

[1] Standby power will be marked as zero (0.00w) if the charger’s standby power reaches below 5mW to reduce power consumption.

[2] https://green.harvard.edu/tools-resources/green-tip/eliminate-vampire-power

[3] Based on 15W and 25W Galaxy smartphone chargers.

[4] The 540 million 15W and 25W Galaxy smartphone chargers sold from 2014 to 2019 saved approximately 350 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy (compared to the 100mW Level VI standard of Europe’s ErP and the United States’ Department of Energy), which is equivalent to the combined energy output of 4.5 hydroelectric power plants (13 million kWh-class).

[5] Availability of 20mW chargers may vary depending on markets’ national energy standards and policies.

[6] Available with all 2021 QLED TV product lines.

[7] Figure based on internal Samsung research (7 years is average lifecycle of TV products).

[8] Tested on WW7000T compared with Samsung WW6500K. Saves 50% time on Cotton (40℃, half load) cycle with washing performance within ±5%. Based on Intertek data.

[9] When set to Wind-Free mode; and compared to the unit’s Fast Cooling Mode

Driven by a desire to keep our planet clean for generations to come, Samsung Electronics regularly engages in eco-conscious efforts that are helping to establish a circular economy. The company is constantly exploring ways to reduce its products’ impact on the environment, including increasing products’ lifespans and spearheading efforts to recycle their resources.

In celebration of Earth Day 2021 (April 22), this special series will shine a light on Samsung initiatives that are paving the way for a circular economy. Let’s kick things off by taking a closer look at how the company’s recycling campaigns are giving old phones new life.

¹ According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020 by Global E-waste Statistics Partnership (GESP), the amount of electronic waste in 2019 was 53.6 million metric tons (Mt).

Make Any Home a Smart Home

The Galaxy Upcycling at Home program provides enhanced sound and light-control features, by repurposing built-in sensors. Users can transform their old devices through SmartThings Labs, a feature within the SmartThings app.

• Using an improved artificial intelligence (AI) solution, Galaxy devices can more accurately distinguish sounds in everyday surroundings, and users can choose to save certain sound recordings. For example, if the device detects sounds such as a baby crying, dog barking, cat meowing, or a knock, it will send an alert directly to the user’s smartphone and the user can listen to the recorded sound.
• Devices can also be used as a light sensor to measure the brightness level of the room. Users can easily set the device to automatically turn on the lights or the TV through SmartThings if the room becomes darker than the preset standard of light.

For a device to continuously detect sound and light, it needs to be actively operating for long periods of time. For this reason, Samsung equipped the Galaxy Upcycling at Home upgrade with battery optimization solutions to minimize battery usage. Devices will also be able to connect effortlessly to SmartThings, allowing them to interact with countless other IoT devices in the SmartThings ecosystem.

“Smart home devices are a fast-growing trend for consumer electronics, and we believe that Galaxy devices currently not in use can play an important role in turning every home into a smart home,” said Jaeyeon Jung, VP & Head of the SmartThings team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “The program transforms Galaxy devices into SmartThings devices and demonstrates the power of our intelligent IoT platform to broaden the possibilities of what users can do with their old phones. Through Galaxy Upcycling at Home, users will have access to the complete SmartThings ecosystem, enabling them to explore broader updates and features without having to purchase a new device.”

Shaping a Sustainable Future with Repurposed Technology

“We created Galaxy Upcycling at Home to enable more people to repurpose their old devices into useful tools, allowing both Samsung and our users to be mindful of the impact we have on the environment,” said Sung-Koo Kim, VP of the Sustainability Management Office, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are rethinking how we use existing resources, and we believe the key to upcycling is to enable solutions that transform old technology into something new by adding value. We are committed to integrating sustainable practices into our day-to-day lives, and through Galaxy Upcycling at Home, users can join our journey toward a more sustainable future.”

This innovative solution is part of Samsung’s continued commitment to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global blueprint for the world to achieve a more sustainable and prosperous future for all by 2030 through 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Galaxy Upcycling at Home specifically focuses on Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production – by reducing waste and promoting more sustainable production practices and consumer behaviors.

Today, Galaxy Upcycling at Home provides a wide array of new solutions that help make everyday life a little easier while promoting more sustainable habits that benefit the planet. By offering consumers a way to upcycle their products with new features and alternative purposes, Samsung is helping to extend the lifecycle of its products while diverting its users from contributing to global e-waste.

Samsung is building environmental sustainability into everything we do. This includes taking dedicated action across every stage of the product lifecycle to help the world transition to a circular economy that makes greater use of sustainable materials, extends product longevity and reuses resources. Through programs like Galaxy Upcycling, Samsung intends to deliver innovative technologies that reshape consumer experiences while empowering them to play a part in sustainable practices.

¹ Availability may vary by carrier.

² Galaxy Upcycling at Home feature is available on all S, Note, and Z series released from 2018 (S9, Note9 or later) running Android 9 and above. More devices will be supported in the future.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 2.2 billion people have a form of vision impairment and almost half of these cases were preventable or have yet to be addressed. There is a large disparity in the prevalence of vision impairment depending on the affordability and availability of eye care services. This is estimated to be four times more common in low- and middle-income regions as compared to high-income regions².

“People around the globe face barriers to accessing fundamental health care, and we saw an opportunity to engineer smart, innovative solutions that reuse products to drive more sustainable practices and make a positive impact in our communities,” said Sung-Koo Kim, VP of Sustainability Management Office, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “This program embodies Samsung’s belief that technology can enrich people’s lives and help us build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”

EYELIKE fundus camera displays at Samsung Developer Conference 2019

In 2017, Samsung created the Galaxy Upcycling program to introduce innovative ways that Galaxy devices can make a positive impact. Through the program, an older Galaxy smartphone can become the brain of the EYELIKE³ handheld fundus camera, which connects to a lens attachment for enhanced fundus diagnosis, while the smartphone is used to capture images. The Galaxy device then utilizes an artificial intelligence algorithm to analyze and diagnose the images for ophthalmic diseases, and connects to an app that accurately captures patient data and suggests a treatment regimen at a fraction of the cost of commercial instruments. The unique and affordable diagnosis camera can screen patients for conditions that may lead to blindness, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

“We were looking for an eye health diagnosis solution that was cost-effective to reach as many people as possible, and when we saw the performance of Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones, we wanted to integrate their upcycling efforts into our research,” said Dr. Sangchul Yoon of Yonsei University Health System. “The combination of using multiple optical technologies and artificial intelligence, coupled with camera performance of a Galaxy smartphone, created an affordable medical device that was just as capable as a fundus camera used by medical professionals. This not only solved a health issue, but a growing environmental concern as well.”

Since 2018, Samsung has partnered with IAPB and Yonsei University Health System to benefit the lives and vision of more than 19,000 residents in Vietnam with its portable retinal camera. In 2019 alone, it supplied 90 portable ophthalmoscopes to health professionals operating in remote regions of the country without access to walk-in clinics. Now, Samsung has expanded the program to India, Morocco and Papua New Guinea. Samsung is also broadening its capabilities to new screening areas, including using upcycled Galaxy devices to create smartphone-based portable colposcopes to screen for cervical cancer and improve women’s accessibility to quality health care.

Patients undergo screening for eye disease in Vietnam (left), Morocco (right)

Patients undergo screening for eye disease in India (left and right)

“As the world slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more evident than ever that technology can be deployed as an eye health solution. In the countries where the EYELIKE Platform is trialed, difficult terrain, long distances and remote populations all contribute to the need for technology to help us connect and improve access to care,” said Drew Keys, Western Pacific Region (WPR) Coordinator at the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). “IAPB is very pleased that Samsung is working closely with its member organizations to pilot these solutions. Working with Samsung allows our member organizations to deliver technology in pilot countries and build cooperative and constructive relationships in these regions.”

In addition to its commitment to purposeful innovation, Samsung is building environmental sustainability into everything we do. This includes working towards our goal of collecting 7.5 million tons of e-waste and making use of 500,000 tons of recycled plastic by 2030. By transforming Galaxy smartphones into low-cost, portable eye diagnosis equipment, Samsung helps divert e-waste from landfills while providing innovative medical solutions to underserved communities. Additionally, the fundus camera diagnosis equipment is made with 35% recycled content and is designed for easy reuse. It has been recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a Sustainable Materials Management Cutting Edge Champion Award. The Galaxy Upcycling program is part of Samsung’s continued commitment to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Through programs like Galaxy Upcycling, Samsung is not only providing innovative technologies that reshape our experiences with the world, but it is also empowering consumers to play a key role in promoting more environmentally conscious behaviors.

About International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
The Global Peak Body in Eye Health, established in 1975 with over 180 member organizations operating worldwide. IAPB focuses on advocacy efforts to unite the sector behind the recommendations of the World Report on Vision and the Sustainable Development Goals.

About Yonsei University Health System.
Yonsei University Health System (YUHS) is the first modern medical institution in South Korea, and it has been a leading medical institution in the country for more than 130 years. Severance Hospital and Yonsei University College of Medicine are part of the Yonsei University Health System. Severance Hospital operates around 2,437 beds across five general hospitals: the Yonsei Cancer Hospital, Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular Hospital, Eye Hospital, and Children’s Hospital and pursues to be the world No.1 leader of medical treatment and patient care. And, YUHS continuously spreads the knowledge and experience to the global society in the field of healthcare and medical service. Accordingly, Yonsei Institute for Global Health, a department dedicated to global health at YUHS, is intimately communicating and collaborating with global society based on their professional knowledge and experience to guarantee universal health and improve health inequalities around the world.

¹ EYELIKE is cleared by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

² Vision Loss Expert Group of the Global Burden of Disease Study. Causes of blindness and vision impairment in 2020 and trends over 30 years: evaluating the prevalence of avoidable blindness in relation to “VISION 2020: the Right to Sight”. Lancet Global Health 2020. doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30489-7

³ Trademark registered in Vietnam, Korea, Bangladesh and India.

The latest line of cases developed in collaboration with Kvadrat for the Galaxy S21+ is no exception; not only has the exterior of this special line been produced with upcycled materials and sustainable production methods, but so, too, has the case’s interior and its accessory hook. With these versatile hooks, you can level up your style by attaching your favorite trinkets or accessories to your phone case’s strap. In addition, the new cases come in packaging made entirely from paper, unlike conventional case packaging that often contains plastic products.

Despite the challenges encountered when working with recycled resin due to the material’s tendency to become thick and hard to shape, relentless hard work eventually paid off, resulting in a case frame that includes a minimum 20 percent post-consumer recycled content.¹

Take a look at the infographic below to learn more about Samsung’s latest refined, eco-conscious phone cases, available in two Samsung-exclusive shades: Violet and Mint Gray.

¹ Interior parts of Galaxy S21+ Kvadrat cover contain plastic with a minimum of 20% post-consumer recycled material from Lotte Chemical Corporation, which has been validated by UL.

On January 11, Samsung built anticipation for their in-depth presentations at CES 2021 with a live-streamed press conference announcing the company’s new vision and some of their new innovations that are set to provide a ‘Better Normal for All’. The press conference opened with some powerful remarks from Sebastian Seung, President and Head of Samsung Research, who outlined how the company’s latest technologies have been informed by the changes brought about in recent times and developed to empower users to live more conveniently, intelligently and sustainably.

Read on to discover more about the biggest announcements from Samsung’s CES 2021 opening press conference.

Designing Products for a Better Normal for All

Seung kicked off the live-streamed press conference by noting the changes all have us have experienced since last year’s CES and the impact this has had not only on the way we live, but also on how we use technology in our daily lives.

“Among many things, your home has taken on a greater significance,” noted Seung, who went on to acknowledge the different and new methods people have been harnessing to stay connected while staying at home. “But what if that home, and those technologies in it, were actually built around you? At Samsung, we’re always finding ways to do just that,” he assured.

Personalizing Your Smart Experiences

In order to illustrate Samsung’s commitment to technology that creates a better normal for all, Seung introduced several of the company’s latest innovations designed to provide more intuitive experiences that not only match a user’s environment, but also their personality.

One such innovation is the Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex refrigerator, the latest addition to Samsung’s customizable Bespoke refrigerator lineup and the first Bespoke product to launch in the U.S. market. “Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex comes with even more ways to customize your kitchen for both form and function,” highlighted Seung of the refrigerator’s innovative design that allows users to tailor the product to their own preferences.

The second innovation introduced by Seung was designed with the understanding that, following the way the concept of the living space has changed over the past year, users’ needs have also changed as they require personalized product experiences everywhere in their homes. “We think your TV should reflect these changes,” he noted, going on to highlight the Samsung Lifestyle TV lineup as an example of the company’s efforts to provide innovations that reflect the changing tastes and needs of consumers. Seung then went on to unveil the brand-new 110-inch MICRO LED, a breakthrough product packed with new features to let users customize their space and their experiences as they wish. 

Seung then highlighted that, along with cutting-edge technologies, today’s users require personalized smart services that can respond and adapt to their daily routines, and went on to unveil two new services developed to help users stay more connected across different aspects of life: SmartThings Cooking and the Samsung Health Smart Trainer, a feature that tracks and analyzes user posture in real time just as personal trainer would.

Bringing Next-Generation AI Directly into Your Home

Seung next spotlighted the role artificial intelligence (AI) is capable of playing in the home. “Today, AI is about being more personal and predictive. It’s about benefitting you every day by being a core part of the products and services you enjoy,” he highlighted.

AI is already at work in several of Samsung’s leading consumer electronics, from smart washers to Smart TVs, where Neo Quantum Processor with enhanced upscaling capabilities can optimize picture quality to 4K and 8K picture output regardless of the input quality. However, explained Seung, the transformational power of AI is set to further come to life in users’ homes.

He then introduced a special guest to the stage – the brand-new JetBot 90 AI+, a robot vacuum fitted with smart object recognition technology for intelligent ­cleaning. Seung went on to showcase that the JetBot 90 AI+ is fitted with LiDAR and 3D sensors for location mapping.

What Samsung’s Robot Assistants Can Do for You

Seung then reminded viewers that Samsung has introduced a range of intelligent, human-centered robots at previous year’s CES events, and that with innovations such as the JetBot 90 AI+, this year is no exception. “Samsung has been continuously improving our robotics, including many types of Samsung Bot,” he explained.

“You are at the center of all our innovations,” further affirmed Seung, who then went on to provide a glimpse into what this might mean for robotic solutions in the future by introducing Samsung Bot Care,1 a concept robot that recognizes a user’s behavior to be a better robotic assistant, and Samsung Bot Handy,2 another concept robot capable of serving as an extra hand in the home that flips the script on what a ‘home robot’ could look like.

For All Our Tomorrows

Sandeep Rana, Environmental Sustainability Specialist at Samsung Electronics, then took to the stage in order to affirm Samsung’s ongoing commitment towards building a sustainable and accessible future. “We need a holistic solution – and that’s our goal at Samsung,” noted Rana. Highlighting the potential that the next generation has to generate meaningful change in the world, Rana outlined the global support programs that Samsung has established over the past decade to nurture young people’s new ways of thinking, and the services that have been developed to provide everyone with access to technology.

Next, Rana provided a run-down of the ways in which Samsung is developing products and technologies so that the next generation can enjoy a green planet. “To start, we’ve put sustainability at the heart of some of our most popular products.” From the interchangeable modular design of their Bespoke refrigerators and the energy efficiency of their AI-powered washing machines to the company’s memory-saving solutions, Samsung is constantly exploring how technology can break down barriers for a better future, noted Rana.

Furthermore, initiatives such as Samsung’s Galaxy Upcycling Program are a “recognition of our need to take responsibility and be in harmony with nature,” affirmed Rana, who then highlighted the company’s eco-packaging innovations that won the Innovation Award at last year’s CES and announced that Samsung plans to use eco-packaging in all 2021 Lifestyle TVs and most of the 2021 Neo QLED line.

Rana concluded her presentation by introducing Galaxy Upcycling at Home, a new program that lets users decide how they want to repurpose their own Galaxy devices into convenient home devices. “This is a vision of a better, more inclusive and sustainable future,” noted Rana, “and we’re working toward it every day.”

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Following Rana’s presentation, Seung then returned to the stage to provide final thoughts before closing out the press conference. “What we’ve shared today is how, after a year of abrupt change, Samsung can help us all work toward a better, brighter future through next-generation technologies,” he affirmed.

Finally, Seung promised that the company would be showcasing even more products that enable us all to achieve a better world for generations to come at the company’s Unpacked event later in the week. “Together, we believe we can build a better normal for all,” he concluded.