Samsung Electronics Releases 2023 Sustainability Report

On June 30, Samsung Electronics released the 2023 edition of its Global Sustainability Report. Through this report, Samsung Electronics discloses its sustainability strategy and performance in the areas of People, Planet, and Principle.

The report highlights the major activities over the past year, including progress in implementing the New Environmental Strategy announced in September 2022 and launching 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, through 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 at all operational sites outside of Korea by 2027. This follows Samsung’s transition to renewable energy in the US, China and Europe in 2020.

In addition, the company more than tripled the amount of recycled resin used in plastic parts compared to the previous year – on track towards its goal to apply recycled resin in 50% of its plastic parts by 2030 and in all of its plastic parts by 2050.

At the DS Division, Samsung expanded installations of the Regenerative Catalytic System in 2022, with the aim of treating process gas more efficiently and thereby contributing to greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Moreover, as a result of its efforts to restore water to their natural state prior to their discharge by 2040, the company attained the highest rating (Platinum) issued by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).

Samsung Electronics continues to expand collaboration with various stakeholders. We joined the global initiatives RE100 and the Asian Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC), and collaborated with Patagonia to launch a clothes washer and filter that reduces the amount of microplastic released from washing machines.

This year’s Sustainability Report also delves into the company’s approach to respect human rights and foster talent. In February 2023, Samsung Electronics announced its Global Human Rights Principles that highlight the company’s respect for 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 – and launched a comprehensive training platform that supports employees’ professional development known as The University of Samsung Electronics (The UniverSE).

Moreover, Samsung includes sustainability-related indicators in the performance evaluation of organizational units and executives since 2021. The performance metrics, depending on the area or function, include indicators on GHG emissions reduction, renewable energy transition, energy efficient product development, compliance, and product accessibility.

Last but not least, Samsung launched its updated Sustainability website earlier in February 2023 which serves as a comprehensive platform providing information on the company’s sustainability-related activities – including strategy and goals, ongoing efforts and progress, environmentally responsible products, policies, quantitative performance data, news and featured stories, and recognitions and awards.

See the full text of the 2023 Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report.