Building on these efforts Samsung is now supporting coral reef restoration through technological innovation. Samsung Newsroom U.K. highlights how this initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to the world’s oceans.

Supporting Marine Ecosystems Through Global Collaboration

Introduced at Galaxy Unpacked in January 2025, Coral in Focus is an initiative launched last year that supports local communities, including Fiji, Indonesia and the United States, to restore coastal ecosystems.

Samsung has partnered with Seatrees, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to restoring marine ecosystems, to explore, new, innovative solutions for coral reef restoration. The company has introduced Ocean Mode¹ on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, an exclusive camera feature that enables vivid image capture even underwater. These images provide accurate visual data for marine researchers who create 3D photogrammetry models to continuously monitor and analyse coral reefs. Local partner organisations then use these findings to guide their on-site coral restoration efforts.

Ocean Mode: How Galaxy Camera Innovation Is Helping Marine Researchers

Partners and local field teams use Ocean Mode to reduce the excessive blue tones common in underwater photography, allowing for a more accurate representation of coral colours. The feature also helps minimise motion blur through optimised shutter speed and multi-frame image processing. Additionally, the interval shooting function enables thousands of high-resolution coral images to be captured in a single session — improving both efficiency and image clarity.

With these coral restoration initiatives, photos taken with Ocean Mode have been used to produce 17 3D models of coral reefs to analyse the health and growth of reefs. In total, 11,046 coral fragments were planted to restore 10,705 square meters of coral reef habitat — roughly the size of 25 basketball courts.

Since unveiling its “Galaxy for the Planet” environmental vision in 2021, through recycling plastic from discarded fishing nets into its smartphones to providing cutting-edge camera technology, Samsung has continually increased its efforts to support marine researchers. Read more on the vision here.

¹ Ocean Mode was exclusively developed for this project and is only available to participating partners.

The process starts by collecting previously used Galaxy smartphones, such as those from trade-in programs. The batteries are carefully dismantled, discharged and shredded to safely recover cobalt. Then, the shredded fragments are processed into “black mass,” a powder mixture containing cobalt and other metals. The black mass undergoes further processing to extract cobalt, which is then used to produce cathode material—an essential component of smartphone batteries. The remaining cobalt goes through the final stage of the battery manufacturing process, becoming an integral part of the new Galaxy S25 batteries, with each Galaxy S25 battery featuring 50% recycled cobalt^[2].

Samsung will continue to expand the use of our new recycled cobalt batteries into our ecosystem to accelerate circularity.

Check out the video below to learn more about Samsung’s innovative Circular Battery Supply Chain.

[1] Inclusion may differ by markets.

[2] A minimum of 25% of the Galaxy S25 battery is cobalt by weight, 50% of which is recycled cobalt.

Delivering Meaningful Progress for the World’s Oceans

Samsung is dedicated to helping to protect the environment for future generations, a commitment that drives the company’s innovation. This dedication has led Samsung to focus on efforts to support ocean health with its innovative technology.

Starting with the Galaxy S22 series in 2022, Samsung incorporated recycled discarded fishing nets – also known as ghost nets—in Galaxy devices. Since then, Samsung has continued to scale its use of this recycled material across all Galaxy mobile products^[1], aiming to mitigate the damage that ocean-bound plastic ^[2] inflicts on fragile marine ecosystems^[3]
Now, Samsung is taking these actions one step further by joining forces the U.S.-based non-profit organisation Seatrees and the University of California San Diego to explore new, innovative solutions for reef restoration. The Galaxy camera technology provided to local coral reef restoration activists and researchers in coastal communities will aid their efforts to restore reefs impacted by climate change and pollution through improved monitoring of restoration success.

“We initiated our commitment to the world’s oceans when we transformed discarded fishing nets into key components of the Galaxy S22 series, which to date, has incorporated more than 150 tonnes of discarded fishing nets into key components of Galaxy devices,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “This year, we are furthering our commitment to the oceans by creating purposeful technology that helps protect and restore damaged marine ecosystems around the world.”

Together, with Seatrees, Samsung is giving new purpose to Galaxy technology to further innovative solutions that improve the health of the world’s oceans. The company is supporting non-profits and local community members working in Fiji, Indonesia and the United States with Galaxy technology to help restore coastal ecosystems. By leveraging mobile technology, these organisations aim to democratise and to create a more efficient process for coral restoration in reefs damaged by climate change, overfishing and ocean pollution, such as discarded fishing nets.

An Innovative Approach to Reef Monitoring and Restoration

Despite covering less than 1 percent of the ocean floor, coral reefs support approximately 25 percent of all marine life, making them one of Earth’s most biodiverse ecosystems^[4] Millions of people around the world also rely on reefs as a source of food, income and coastal protection. At the current pace of decline, reefs are at risk of disappearing by 2050^[5] To support the rapid development of coral reef stewardship projects globally, this initiative will provide advanced monitoring technology that leverages mobile devices as a readily-accessible technology platform.

While efforts to revive coral reefs have existed for decades, researchers are seeking new ways to improve this process. Scientists from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and local communities use photogrammetry^[6] to collect a variety of data – including photographs of coral – to analyse the health and growth of reefs. This allows them to then develop 3D models of the reef, helping researchers identify appropriate interventions that mitigate the effects of climate change on the corals.

▲ 3D model of coral reefs from photos taken by Galaxy

Accurate data is essential to researchers gaining a deeper understanding of how coral restoration efforts are affecting the reefs, and therefore help protect a greater number of reefs around the world. However, capturing accurate and vivid photos of coral reefs is not a simple task. Images can suffer from motion blur as divers swim over reefs capturing thousands of photographs, leading to less accurate data. Similarly, water absorbs warm colours like reds and oranges, also known as long wavelength light, distorting the accuracy of the captured images and resulting in photos that are darker and bluer than they appear to the naked eye.

Knowing that an accurate underwater camera is crucial to improving coral restoration efforts globally, Samsung collaborated to overcome these challenges by advancing Galaxy technology as a purposeful tool for coral restoration. Samsung developed a customised camera mode, called Ocean Mode^[7], made exclusively for this partnership. Ocean Mode optimises the native Galaxy camera to ensure efficient and high-quality image capture of coral reefs while underwater. It reduces motion blur and optimises the camera’s white balance to enhance underwater content capture, ensuring accurate photos are sent to researchers. This, in turn, improves coral restoration efforts through improved analysis of restoration success.

“Design and implementation of coral reef restoration need to be informed by reliable information about what works and what doesn’t,” said Dr. Stuart Sandin, Marine Ecologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Director of the Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. “Mobile technologies offer an exciting opportunity to expand access to this information.”

“By building on technology that is both innovative and accessible, this collaboration has the potential to help bridge barriers and simplify the process for research and restoration, enabling more effective science-based stewardship at scale,” added Dr Eliah Aronoff-Spencer, Human-Centred Technologist and Director for UC San Diego’s Centre for Health Design.

▲ Photos captured with Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones equipped with Ocean Mode^[8]

“This partnership represents a collective effort of people and organisations coming together to rebuild hope by restoring ocean ecosystems,” said Michael Stewart, Co-Founder and Director of Seatrees. “By collaborating with Samsung and UC San Diego, we can share their innovative tools to help local communities efficiently restore reefs at scale.”

Throughout 2024, Samsung supported coral restoration projects in regions that have suffered coral reef declines, including Bali, Indonesia; Viti Levu Island, Fiji; and Florida, USA, and over 11,000 coral fragments having already been planted at these project sites. Committed to using technology for good, Samsung and its collaborators are united around a shared goal of restoring marine ecosystems and preserving the world’s oceans for future generations. Grounded in the spirit of open collaboration and by leveraging Samsung’s expansive scale, the organisations will continue to expand the initiative to more regions in the months ahead.

For more information about Samsung’s broader sustainability efforts, please visit our Sustainability Website.

About Seatrees

Seatrees restores and protects coastal ecosystems around the world to reverse climate change, enhance biodiversity, and support local communities. Seatrees uses a science-based approach to regenerate coral reefs, kelp forests, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coastal watersheds. Seatrees projects support local community restoration efforts and provide tangible ways for individuals and brands to create a more resilient planet for future generations.

[1] Recycled materials can be found in all Galaxy devices released in and after 2022.

[2] Ocean-bound plastic is abandoned plastic waste of all sizes (micro-plastics, mezzo-plastics and macro-plastics) that are located within 50km of shores in communities or areas

[3] The amount of ocean-bound plastic used is different for each device. Please visit Samsung Sustainability website for more information

[4] Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

[5]United Nations Environment Program

[6]Photogrammetry is the science of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images

[7]Ocean Mode is exclusively supported for this project and is not available in products for general consumers

[8]Ocean Galaxy S24 Ultra used underwater were placed in a waterproof underwater housing. Galaxy smartphones are not designed to be waterproof against seawater

Finding the Balance between Innovation and the Environment

Samsung is reimagining how Galaxy technology is designed and packaged to do more with less when it comes to our planet’s natural resources. For the last decade, we have worked to innovate high-performance components that are made with recycled materials.

We took an important step in 2022 when we incorporated recycled discarded fishing nets, also known as ghost nets, in the Galaxy S22 series. Recycled materials can now be found in all Galaxy mobile products, including smartphones, tablets, PCs and wearables^[1]. At the same time, we have expanded our use to a greater variety of materials, from several different types of plastics to metals and glass.

Visualising how the Galaxy S24 series is designed and packaged to do more with less for people and the planet

Galaxy S24 continues to scale the variety of recycled materials in Galaxy devices by applying recycled plastics, glass and aluminium to internal and external components^[2]. It also takes these efforts one step further. For the first time, Galaxy S24 features components made with recycled cobalt and rare earth elements^[3]. In Galaxy S24 Ultra, a minimum of 50% recycled cobalt was used in the battery^[4], and 100% recycled rare earth elements were incorporated into the speakers^[5].

Samsung has a long history of addressing the pervasive challenge of plastic waste through our recycled material innovations, and recycled plastics continue to play an important role in the Galaxy S24 series. The Galaxy S24 series maintains our use of recycled plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets, water barrels and PET bottles.

The recycled ocean-bound plastic^[6] material was created in partnership with global organisations who collected discarded fishing nets abandoned near the oceans. Together, we separated, cleaned and extruded the nets’ properties before optimising them into high-performance, recycled polyamide pellets. Similarly, the recycled polycarbonate and PET materials are sourced from discarded water barrels and PET bottles that we grind, filter and melt down with other additives. This process helps us transform these fragile resources into high-performance optimised materials that uphold Samsung’s state-of-the-art design and high-quality standards. We also teamed up with other organisations to upcycle discarded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) that was generated from shoe manufacturing.

This is a culmination of our continued efforts with our partners to transform fragile plastic wastes into high performance material used in Galaxy devices. Through the Galaxy S24 series, we aim to use nearly 100 metric tons of recycled plastics^[7] by the end of 2024, which is equivalent to 10 million empty plastic bottles^[8].

When it comes to recycled metal, the Galaxy S24 series incorporates recycled aluminum^[9] that originates from scrap metal generated during manufacturing. The aluminum scrap is re-melted, filtered for impurities and then recycled to make components within Samsung’s product development process. The Galaxy S24 series has the potential to utilise around 110 metric tons of recycled aluminum by the end of 2024, which is the equivalent of 9 million soda cans^[10].

Additionally, the Galaxy S24 series comes in a packaging box made using 100% recycled paper material. By the end of 2024, we hope to use 2,760 metric tons of recycled paper, which is equivalent of 552 million pieces of A4 paper^[11]. If stacked on top of one another, that would be approximately the same height as 71 Burj Khalifas^[12], which is the tallest building in the world.

From the smallest components to the newest, most premium features, the Galaxy S24 series represents a significant stride in Samsung’s ongoing commitment to utilising recycled materials in its smartphones. This work could help us shift to more circular designs and build technology that supports a more sustainable future.

^{[1] Recycled materials can be found in all Galaxy devices released in and after 2022}

^{[2] Galaxy S24 Ultra features recycled materials in the Top Speaker Module, Bottom Speaker Module, Case Front, S Pen Inner Cover, S Pen’s Knob Holder, Side Key, Volume Key, SIM Tray, Camera Deco, Front Screen, Back Glass and Battery.}

^{[3] Neodymium}

^{[4] The batteries of the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24+ include a minimum of 50% pre- and post-consumer recycled cobalt. The battery of the Galaxy S24 includes a minimum of 10% pre- and post-consumer recycled cobalt.}

^{[5] The speakers of the Galaxy S24 series include 100% pre- and post-consumer recycled neodymium.}

^{[6] Ocean-bound plastic is abandoned plastic waste of all sizes (micro-plastics, mezzo-plastics and macro-plastics) that are located within 50km of shores in communities or areas.}

^{[7] Calculated tons of recycled plastics based off sales estimation of the Galaxy S24 series through 2024.}

^{[8] Assuming the weight of 500ml PET bottles is 10g, which is the average weight of PET bottles from manufacturers across the market.}

^{[9] A minimum of 28% pre-consumer recycled aluminium is used in both internal and external aluminium components of Galaxy S24 series. For more information about the recycled materials in the Galaxy S24 series, please review Samsung’s product environmental reports on the Sustainability website.}

^{[10] Average weight of 330ml soda can is calculated from Metal Packaging Europe article.}

^{[11] Average weight of A4 paper is calculated based on ISO 536:2019.}

^{[12] At 828 meters high, the Burj Khalifa holds the record as the tallest building in the world.}

“Bespoke Life embodies Samsung’s commitment to making our homes and future more sustainable by reimagining the appliances we rely on every day,” said Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of the DX (Device eXperience) Division at Samsung Electronics. “By introducing new and creative ways for users to ‘Bespoke’ their life, our latest products and solutions empower anyone to take steps towards enjoying a more sustainable, connected, and stylish lifestyle.”

Sustainable Life – Technologies That Make a Positive Impact

Samsung’s Bespoke Life concept was born out of the belief that home appliances are key to creating a more sustainable tomorrow. Accordingly, this year’s Bespoke event will highlight Samsung’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions across the entire product lifecycle. It will also announce the launch of the new Less Microfiber Filter: a simple solution for minimising micro plastic emissions during laundry cycles.

From sourcing and production to distribution, usage, and recycling, Samsung is redesigning each stage of the product lifecycle to help reduce energy usage and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Examples of the company’s efforts to recycle more resources include operating a closed-loop recycling center, incorporating bioplastic material from waste oil into Bespoke refrigerators’ storage baskets, and expanding its use of recycled fishing nets. Once products have been manufactured, they are shipped to users in Samsung’s eco-packaging, which began replacing plastic tape and coil with paper earlier this year.

Samsung continues to expand services that make saving energy effortless. Which is why, this year, five new Bespoke appliances, including refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and air conditioners, as well as Samsung’s Eco Heating System, will feature an upgraded version of SmartThings AI Energy Mode that will soon be available in 65 countries^[1]

In addition to promoting reductions in carbon emissions and energy usage, Samsung continues to take an active role in tackling microplastic pollution. After developing a laundry cycle that reduces microfiber discharge by up to 54%^[2], Samsung and Patagonia have teamed up once again to launch the Less Microfiber Filter. The Less Microfiber Filter is capable of capturing up to 98%^[3] of microfibers shed during laundry cycles. When used to wash two kilograms of laundry four times a week, the filter can help reduce up to 132 grams of microplastic discharge per person per year — an amount equivalent to approximately eight 500ml plastic bottles. The Less Microfiber Filter is now available in Korea and the U.K., and will roll out to other countries in Q3 of this year.

Connected Life – Paving the Way for Hyper-Connected Homes

To “Bespoke” one’s life is to optimise devices in ways that streamline and empower your routine. By strengthening connectivity across the lineup and expanding AI to more product categories, Samsung is paving the way for a new era of hyper-connected homes.

Combining Samsung’s latest SmartThings enhancements and AI technology, Bespoke products offer a seamlessly automated home experience — one in which devices learn users’ usage patterns and provide personalised automation based on their smart home configuration and lifestyle. To make it easy for consumers to enjoy those experiences, Samsung has announced that it is integrating Wi-Fi support into all new Bespoke appliances and will make connectivity a standard in all Samsung appliance lineups in the coming years.

Samsung has also announced the launch of the Bespoke Jet AI — the company’s most powerful^[4] cordless stick vacuum cleaner, and the world’s first to be verified by UL(Underwriters Laboratories) Solutions, a leading independent safety science organisation, for AI. Combining up to 280W^[5] of suction power with a run time of up to 100 minutes^[6] per charge, the Bespoke Jet AI offers the performance required to give one’s entire home a thorough clean. Its AI Cleaning Mode^[7] intelligently monitors brush load and vacuuming air pressure to distinguish different cleaning environments,^[8] including the floor type, and automatically optimises settings such as suction power and brush speed^[9] to maximise cleaning performance, usage time, and maneuverability. The vacuum also features a new All-in-One Clean Station that produces a powerful spinning cyclone to instantly and effectively^[10] empty the dustbin.

Stylish Life – Taking Personalised Design to the Next Level  

The three million Bespoke refrigerators that have been sold worldwide since the lineup’s launch underline consumers’ resounding interest in appliances that offer more options and functionality than the old standards. Today, this rethinking of what appliances should offer users continues to define Bespoke design — a design approach that grows more dynamic and distinct each time it expands to a new product category.

In addition to launching the Bespoke AI^TM Washer and Dryer in the U.S. and Southeast Asia this year, Samsung continues to expand its personalisation options to empower more people to customise their home. Currently available to all consumers in the U.S. since last year, Samsung’s MyBespoke customisation service makes it easy for users to cultivate a kitchen look that truly reflects your way of life by using photos or artwork to create one-of-a-kind refrigerator panels. To further elevate Bespoke’s bold design ethos, the company has announced that the limited-edition Bespoke panels designed by Italian creative studio TOILETPAPER and first unveiled at Fuorisalone 2023 are now available for purchase on Samsung.com and can also be found at Samsung flagship stores in the U.K., U.S., and Korea.

To learn more about the next evolution of Bespoke, tune into Bespoke Life 2023 on June 7 at 10:00 EDT (16:00 CEST, 23:00 KST). The event will be streamed on Samsung’s global YouTube channel, Samsung Newsroom, and  Samsung.com.

[1] AI Energy Mode is currently available in 40 countries including the U.S. AI Energy Mode is planned for expansion in the following countries in June: Greece, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Argentina, Ireland, Estonia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Puerto Rico, Finland. Further expansion is planned for the following countries in September: Morocco, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, Israel, Egypt, Kuwait, Turkey, Tunisia.

[2] Tested with 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing Synthetics cycle on Samsung Conventional model WW4000T and the Less Microfiber cycle on WW9400B. The results may be different depending on the clothes and environment. Tested by the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab.

[3] Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH model (using Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry) comparing the amount of microfiber released with and without the Less Microfiber Filter installed. The amount is calculated by filtering drain water through a 50um filter. Results may vary depending on clothes and environment.

[4] PBased on testing by the Korea Testing Laboratory, in accordance with the IEC62885-4: 2020 standard, using a handheld type vacuum cleaner (with no brush) in Jet mode. The results were compared to the stated suction power of cordless stick vacuum cleaners with 200W suction power available in the market (based on sales data between January and December 2022, as compiled by an independent market research institute).

[5] Based on testing by the Korea Testing Laboratory, in accordance with the IEC62885-4: 2020 standard. Measured at the inlet of the non-motorised tool when the dustbin is empty, using Jet Mode and a large capacity battery that is fully charged. The results were compared to the stated suction power of cordless stick vacuum cleaners with 200W suction power available in the market (based on sales data between January and December 2022, as compiled by an independent market research institute). Results may vary depending on actual usage.

[6] The stated run time is based on using a large capacity battery at the minimum power level with a non-motorised tool attached. Results may vary depending on actual usage.

[7] AI Cleaning mode related functions/performance will be continuously updated and upgraded through SmartThings.

[8] The ability to identify different cleaning environments can be affected by environmental conditions.

[9] The brush rotation speed (rpm) can only be adjusted when using the Active Dual Brush.

[10] Based on internal testing using various types of dusts. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.

LONDON, UK – 31st May, 2023 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and global design and architecture magazine Dezeen today announced the launch of their latest global design competition to recognise the value of sustainability. Offering a total of £18,000 in prize money, the Re:Create Design Challenge invites entrants around the world to dream up their own creative ideas for reusing, recycling and upcycling old Samsung devices or their materials.

What is the Re:Create Design Challenge?

The Re:Create Design Challenge reflects Samsung’s ongoing efforts to make its products and services more sustainable. The competition advances those efforts by encouraging entrants to come up with  innovative ways to repurpose old  devices or waste materials by transforming them into new products or services that can benefit both people and the planet.

Examples include Samsung’s EYELIKE project, which sees old smartphones repurposed into medical diagnosis cameras, as well as the latest Galaxy devices,  which feature a design that incorporates recycled plastic from discarded fishing nets, and the SolarCell Remote, which incorporates recycled materials for 24% of its plastic component  and is powered by light rather than conventional disposable batteries.

“We live in an era of uncertainty and unlimited opportunity, especially for design creatives,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Corporate Design Center at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung believes in the power of creativity, and our future needs to be protected and transformed through meaningful and sustainable innovations. We hope this competition provides a spark that leads to impactful change for all of us.”

How to Enter

The challenge is free to enter for anyone over the age of 18, regardless of whether they are a professional designer, a student, or someone with no formal design training.

Entering the challenge is easy and may be done by visiting Dezeen’s official website, which provides full details on the competition, including submission instructions and prize information. Those interested in participating should submit their idea to Dezeen’s website by July 19 at 23:59 GMT

How Will Winners Be Selected?

Submissions will be subject to several rounds of evaluation, with 4 criteria including △ Innovation (How original is the idea?) △ Problem-solving (Does the idea propose meaningful solutions to improve peoples’ lives?) △ Social and Environmental impact (How will the idea positively impact people and the planet?) △ Human-centered design (How well does the idea fit with Samsung’s design philosophy and resonate with its products or the lifestyles of Samsung consumers?)

Once the initial rounds are completed, shortlist will be selected and announced in August. And an expert panel of Dezeen editors and design professionals will select the first-place winner and the two runners-up.

The first-place winning individual or team will take home the competition’s £10,000 grand prize. The two runners-up will receive cash prizes of £4,000 each.

For more information, please visit Dezeen’s official website.

As part of these sustainability efforts, Samsung has expanded the use of recycled materials in plastic parts for its products. By 2030, Samsung aims to incorporate 50% recycled materials into its plastic parts and by 2050, aims to use 100% recycled materials for all of its plastic parts.

Samsung’s SolarCell Remote exemplifies Samsung’s commitment to the environment, and as it celebrates its third anniversary, Samsung Newsroom is exploring how this eco-conscious product has progressed since its initial release in 2021, with perspectives from JongKeun Lee of H/W Platform Lab and HyunJoo Kim of Mecha Solution Lab.

Eliminating the Need for Disposable Batteries

Samsung Electronics developed the SolarCell Remote to combat the environmental impact of discarding used batteries. It is the industry’s first rechargeable remote control, with a solar panel (solar cell) that can be charged by sunlight or indoor lighting. The remote can also be charged with a USB-C cable so consumers have many ways to charge their remote.

“The level of carbon emissions from the SolarCell Remote, from production to disposal, is roughly one-third of that of the manufacturing of disposable batteries^[1],” said JongKeun Lee from H/W Platform Lab. “By eliminating the need for disposable batteries, not only are fewer resources consumed but carbon emissions are lowered by manufacturing fewer batteries over time.”

Another remarkable feature is its low power consumption. The SolarCell Remote was designed to run on about 10% of the power that typical remote controls use. “Samsung made significant progress by drastically eliminating unnecessary outputs and operations, contributing to great energy savings,” Lee added.

The SolarCell Remote Recycles More Than Six Tonnes of Waste

Twenty-four percent of the plastics used in the SolarCell Remote come from recycled materials. This means more than six tonnes of waste are recycled for the annual production of 10 million SolarCell Remotes. This equates to about an 18% decrease in carbon emissions compared to production using conventional materials.

This was no simple undertaking. It takes time and effort to develop and apply alternative materials made from recycled waste in a meaningful way.

“With growing concerns about ocean waste, we looked carefully into many solutions. We chose to use recycled plastics from discarded fishing nets for 20% of brackets of the 2023 SolarCell Remote,” said HyunJoo Kim from Mecha Solution Lab. “Going forward, we aim to foster the use of these resources and utilize recycled plastics more aggressively.”

“This year, we started using recycled plastics from discarded fishing nets. While they are costly and difficult to process, the end result is a higher quality of materials which contribute to our mission of everyday sustainability,” Kim added. “The process is quite extensive, from sorting out the waste to cleaning, removing toxic substances and improving material properties.”

In recognition of this product’s environmentally friendly design, Time Magazine selected the SolarCell Remote as one of Time Magazine’s “The Best Inventions of 2022”.

All of Samsung’s 2023 Lifestyle TVs are equipped with the 2023 SolarCell Remote. Samsung’s goal is to integrate more eco-conscious products and processes into a wider range of models across regions and empower consumers to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

In addition, Samsung decreased the size of the SolarCell Remote by 25% in its latest iteration. This means that the remote control uses less plastic while enhancing the product’s usability.

“As the SolarCell Remote became smaller, manufacturing uses less plastic and it became an ideal size for consumers’ hands, making it a better product all around,” Lee explained.

Pursuing an Eco-Conscious Strategy With a Streamlined Approach

So, what are Samsung’s next steps to enhance sustainability of the SolarCell Remote?

“We are continuing to move in the direction of light, thin and small to keep the use of plastic low,” Kim said.

“We are dedicated to creating a user-friendly remote control that consumes fewer resources and less energy,” Lee said. “Samsung’s ultimate goal is to empower users to control products with minimal effort while reducing the use of materials and energy. This could mean one day we get rid of the remote control entirely. The SolarCell Remote is a bold step in the direction of everyday sustainability and we can’t wait to show everyone what’s next.”

The ambitious journey of the SolarCell Remote to contribute to a more eco-conscious lifestyle is just beginning.

[1] Considering most TVs are used for seven years and an AA battery for their remote controls are replaced once in a year, the number of discarded batteries for a TV will be 14 every seven years. This means charging and using SolarCell Remote for seven years reduces carbon emissions by one third compared to using AA batteries.

Oxford has an ambition to become a net zero carbon city by 2040 – ten years ahead of the Government’s targets.[1] To achieve this, tackling Oxford’s building emissions is key. As buildings are responsible for roughly 60% of emissions, it has been identified that over 30,000 air-source heat pumps need to be installed across the city by 2040.[2] The Clean Heat Streets project aims to explore how key barriers to heat pump uptake can be overcome by exploring solutions on a street-by-street basis, rather than an individual home approach.

Tim Bailey, Head of Energy Innovation at Samsung Research UK, commented: “To move from niche to mass adoption of heat pumps we need lots of organisations to work together to build the trust in the technology within local communities. We are delighted to be leading a consortium to install Samsung heat pumps at a high density in selected neighbourhoods in Oxford, and hope implementing our research will continue to grow the take up of heat pumps in the future.”

The project builds upon the work of a six month feasibility study which developed an innovative local area energy mapping approach to identify suitable homes for installing heat pumps and explored the key barriers to heat pump uptake in the Rose Hill area of Oxford. As part of the project, local heat pump experts, Alto Energy, have designed a customer journey and a supply chain, working with Samsung Climate Solutions, to create a more streamlined approach.

Scott Greening, Managing Director of Alto Energy, added: “We are excited to be working with Samsung on the Clean Heat Streets project to create a framework for delivering heat pumps affordably and at scale. We’re based in Oxfordshire, where the project is taking place, and believe we can add value to the local economy by enabling more local installers to get started installing heat pumps.”

By working to streamline the installation process, and through the economies-of-scale inherent in a street-by-street approach, the Clean Heat Streets project will be able to offer a lower installation cost to the homeowner. It will also explore how a large number of heat pumps can be installed within a particular area without causing problems to the network– for example, by causing very high peaks in demand for electricity on winter evenings. The project is working closely with the local Electricity Distribution Network operator (SSEN) to ensure smooth connection processes and avoidance of any network management issues.

The project has identified two electrical substations in Rose Hill connected to residential streets suitable for high numbers of heat pump installations. These electrical substations are part of the link in the chain that delivers electricity from generation to the ‘grid edge’, where it is used by households and businesses. The project is aiming to install 150 heat pumps across these substation areas.

This project is looking for households from the following streets areas within Rose Hill: Courtland Road,  Annesley Road, West View Tree Lane, Sheepway Court, Bears Hedge, Hunsdon Road, Abberbury Avenue, Rowney Place, Abberbury Road, Spencer Crescent, Dashwood Road, Ashhurst Way, Fiennes Road, Jersey Road, St. Martins Road and Asquith Road.

Any type of tenure will be accepted, and if you are interested in taking part and live in this area please visit: www.cleanheatstreets.com or email: info@cleanheatstreets.com

To find out more about how Samsung heat pumps can work for your home, click here.

[1] Leaders across Oxford support 2040 net zero carbon emissions pledge

[2] Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership Roadmap and Action Plan – Full Report

We now have to navigate uncharted waters where everything is changing – from technology to markets to consumers – and we face additional challenges of the pandemic and uncertainties in the global economy.

As such, the ‘environment’ and the ‘experience’ of how we live has become more important, and our concern for creating a sustainable future has deepened.

As the global leader in consumer electronics and information and communication technologies (ICT), I believe Samsung Electronics has a responsibility to establish an eco-conscious value chain through our innovative technologies and products, as well as to provide more valuable and enlightening experiences to each and every consumer.

That is why Samsung has been focusing all its efforts to recognize sustainable innovation as the essential value and key element in our business.

At CES 2023 in January, Samsung will outline its plan for “Bringing Calm to Our Connected World” by underlining our responsibilities and vision to strive towards this goal and share our journey together for creating a sustainable and prosperous future.

SmartThings: Providing Evolved Hyper-Connected Experiences That Are Invisible Yet Present in Our Lives

At CES 2023, Samsung will present a new and expanded SmartThings experience that integrates your home ecosystem even more seamlessly, with a system that is supported by enhanced security.

We will also explore easier and safer ways to connect devices and appliances, and how to make customized experiences for each user even more precise with AI.

We are closely cooperating with various industry partners to embody the SmartThings experience, creating a new path to provide optimal and customized connected experiences to users according to their individual preferences and lifestyles.

Sustainable Future in the Hyper-Connected Era

In order to provide better daily life experiences, Samsung has been paying attention to how technology can address difficulties and problems encountered in everyday life. In addition, we have continued to identify ways to contribute to creating a more sustainable future by developing products that are sustainable and equipped with innovative technologies.

Since we announced our new environmental strategy in September, we have underlined how we plan to contribute to overcoming the climate crisis through our innovative technologies, including ultra-low power semiconductors and energy saving products. We also announced our goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Saving energy through SmartThings and developing eco-conscious innovative products showcase how we are upholding our sustainable, forward-thinking values.

In addition, we are actively promoting our environmental and societal efforts by participating in sustainable business management partnerships with other stakeholders, such as international organizations, industries and citizens.

We joined the steering committee for the Asia Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC) together with major global companies and NGOs to expand renewable energy supply to its major production bases in Asia.

Furthermore, we joined the Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC) as a founding member during the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference held in November. Through this organization, we aim to set and implement plans to reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions of the semiconductor industry, create eco-conscious ecosystems by setting a carbon reduction target, develop greenhouse gas reduction technologies and support green technology startups.

We will continue to pave the way for the hyper-connected era, empowering consumers to help create a sustainable future by simply using Samsung products.

One More Step for Mankind: Samsung’s Sustainable Journey

When developing new technology for users, we have always been asking the question “What should we do?” rather than “What can we do?” This is because technology can change the way people communicate with and experience the world, make daily life more enriching and can act as the driving force toward a better future.

At CES 2023, we will show our industry-leading efforts that go beyond simply making great products with advanced technologies and aim to unleash new experiences through technology, making our daily lives and the world even better.

As part of Samsung’s “Together for Tomorrow” vision, the company has applied recycled materials in its select monitor and digital signage products to minimise resource waste. Samsung is now using more recycled materials in its monitor and digital signage products, including the rear cover of its monitors and digital signage to increase resource circularity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Digital signage solutions including the 2022 Smart Signage also received certified energy efficiency grades that rise to new industry standards. Samsung also has incorporated eco-conscious packaging featuring recycled materials in all signage products since 2021.

To improve both resource and energy efficiency, Samsung is using a SoC (System on Chip) solution that, when applied to the monitors and signage, allows content to be displayed without any additional devices, saving both waste and energy. Plus, Samsung has extended its product lifespan with enhanced durability to further minimise waste.

In recognition of its efforts for product efficiency, Samsung has earned an ENERGY STAR certification^[1], in addition to an EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) certification for its energy efficiency improvements and recycled plastic use in its 2022 Smart Signage lineup (QHB, QMB, QBB).

Samsung was also the first in its industry to achieve the reducing CO2 label, certified by the Carbon Trust, for its LCD Signage lineup (LH55QHB), LED signage (LH012IWA) and Business Monitor (LS34A65).  In addition, Samsung has developed and applied a new material, made with repurposed ocean-bound plastics, to the 2022 high resolution monitor S8 to reduce marine waste.

In recognition of its global 2022 sustainability initiative, which strives to incorporate environmental sustainability into everything it does, Samsung has been announced as the winner of ‘Sustainability Innovation of the Year’ at the AV News Awards on May 10.

“We are committed to ensuring everyday sustainability throughout our signage portfolio and playing a major role in reimagining a better planet,” said Hyesung Ha, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “As we are grateful for the recognition of our efforts, we plan to make each step count as collectively change production practices for a sustainable future.”

The Samsung booth at 2022 Integrated Systems Europe is located at Gran Via, Hall 3, 3F600, in Barcelona from May 10-14, 2022. For more information about Samsung’s latest display technology, please visit https://displaysolutions.samsung.com/showcase/virtual-experience/ise-2022

[1] ENERGY STAR certification applicable only to U.S. market