In an era where environmental preservation is paramount, Samsung continues to contribute towards a greener future, integrating eco-conscious practices into every facet of its operations and product offerings. The company’s dedication to sustainability is not just a corporate ethos but a responsibility to future generations. Below are some of its notable innovations that contribute towards a healthier environment.

Eco-Packaging: With its various eco-friendly initiatives, Samsung is prioritising sustainable packaging practices. By utilising recyclable materials, reducing packaging waste, and implementing innovative design strategies, the company strives to minimise its environmental footprint throughout the product lifecycle, from production to disposal. A big part of this is upcycling of the boxes that come with the company’s lifestyle TV models such as The Frame and The Serif. The special cardboard boxes are designed to allow consumers to upcycle the packaging their televisions come in into small, versatile pieces of furniture. The thick, corrugated cardboard that the packaging is comprised of can be used to construct small tables and shelves, and building instructions can be accessed by scanning QR codes on the outsides of the boxes.

Energy-Efficiency: Samsung’s line of energy-efficient appliances is designed to minimise energy consumption without compromising performance. From refrigerators and washing machines to air conditioners and televisions, these appliances incorporate cutting-edge technology to conserve energy and water, helping consumers reduce their carbon footprint and utility bills. Moreover, washing machines and dishwashers come with advanced features like sensor-based controls and efficient water circulation systems to reduce water consumption and promote sustainable living practices.

E-Waste Recycling Initiatives: Samsung is committed to responsible e-waste management through our comprehensive recycling programs. The company ensures that end-of-life electronic products are ethically recycled, diverting electronic waste from landfills and recovering valuable resources for reuse in new products, contributing to a circular economy and minimising environmental degradation. Through one of its corporate social investment programmes, the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), Samsung has supported and invested in Matongoni Group, a local company which specialises in the recycling of electronic waste and materials from shopping centres, industrial and agricultural activities and landfill sites.

Eco-Friendly Materials: The pursuit of sustainable manufacturing practices has seen Samsung using eco-friendly materials in product design and production processes. The environmental footprint is reduced through the incorporation of recycled plastics, bio-based materials, and other sustainable alternatives into products, promoting resource conservation and waste reduction.

SolarCell Remote: Samsung developed the SolarCell Remote to combat the environmental impact of discarding used batteries. It is a 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.

Environmental Partnerships: Samsung collaborates with environmental organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as government and communities to address global environmental challenges and promote sustainability initiatives. Through strategic partnerships and collective action, the company works towards a shared vision of a greener, more sustainable future for all.

SmartThings for a Healthier Environment: Samsung’s SmartThings platform is revolutionising the way we interact with our surroundings, enabling users to create connected ecosystems that enhance efficiency and conserve resources. Through intelligent sensors, automated controls, and seamless integration with smart devices, SmartThings optimises energy usage, reduces waste, and promotes sustainable living. Moreover, in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, Samsung’s AI Energy Management solutions optimise energy consumption across various product offerings. AI Energy Mode generates real-time hourly, daily, weekly and monthly histories of your energy consumption, compared to the amount spent in that period and by device, reducing costs and making life easier at all times with its many functions. Machine learning brings a wide range of benefits to areas of the home and your everyday life, by understanding your routine and adapting to save energy intelligently. From times of usage and weighing the loads of clothes in your washing machine to defining the defrost cycles of your refrigerator, AI Energy Mode intelligently learns usage patterns and controls all kinds of variables, all leading to optimised energy usage.

“These concerted efforts reinforce our commitment to an environmentally friendly business approach and set the tone for responsible innovation in the consumer electronics industry. As we commemorate Earth Day 2024, we are reminded that it is not the responsibility of one person or company but all of us to make the necessary moves and changes that will drive positive environmental change. Through sustainable innovation and by integrating eco-conscious features in our products, promoting responsible manufacturing practices, and fostering a culture of sustainability, we believe we are helping pave the way for a better future for our planet and future generations,” said Mike van Lier, Vice President for Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics South Africa.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 18 June 2021 – These days we all have smartphones and other electronic devices we no longer use because they’re outdated or broken. Unfortunately, more often than not, these devices and its components can end up in trash and landfills. In fact, more than 50 million tons1 of electronics are thrown away each year and a mere 17 percent is eventually recycled. In keeping with its mission to reimagine a better planet, Samsung is committed to ensuring that more devices are responsibly recycled.

Driven by a desire to keep our planet clean for generations to come, Samsung 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 product lifespans and spearheading efforts to recycle their resources. This is essential as most ‘e-waste’ ends up polluting the environment by sitting in landfills or being incinerated. With annual e-waste expected to reach as much as 74 million tons by 2030, it is undeniably the time to take steps to reduce consumption and minimise waste. Repairing old devices, on the other hand, saves energy and finite resources that would otherwise be consumed in the manufacturing of new products, which carries considerable negative impacts on the environment. The reality is that a disproportionate negative impact to the environment comes from smartphones, as they have a relatively short average useful lifespan of only two years. This is why Samsung has designed initiatives aimed at alleviating the impact on the environment.

Samsung South Africa has implemented a popular trade-in programme that makes a difference. You can trade-in over 6 000 Samsung and non-Samsung eligible devices, such as laptops, mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets and many more and it would be responsibly disposed off. Additionaly Samsung repair or replacement process, is designed as such that electronic components and products are collected, checked, recorded and stored at Samsung warehouses. Identified e-waste is pre scrapped to ensure no unauthorized reuse in substandard repairs and irresponsible disposal thereof. Waste is collated on a weekly or monthly basis. Hereafter, Samsung’s authorised recycling and scrapping partners collect all waste, recycle and dispose of the materials in the prescribed and governed processes to minimize waste to landfill. Finally, a scrapping certificate is issued by the partner as guarantee that material is responsibly disposed of.

“It is an essential part of Samsung’s mission to put the environment first in all business operations, with several long-term sustainability programmes that include sustainable packaging design and the reduction of carbon footprints through the use of recycled materials. Critically, the positive impact on the environment will result in lasting change that benefits all South Africans. The fact is, all positive changes start with the determination to reimagine old ways and to do what’s right for all. We’re reimagining environmental sustainability into everything we do from packaging to product design, energy consumption to recycling,” says Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

Additionally, Samsung has a long-term vision for conserving the country’s natural resources, while at the same time playing a role in job creation. As part of Samsung’s R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), under the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment that was launched in 2019, Samsung, in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), embarked on an initiative to provide opportunities for Black Industrialists in the recycling sector. Through this initiative, Samsung has become an integral partner in the creation and support of black-owned businesses that can manage and impact Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment.

Samsung believes in a better, greener tomorrow and that all things can be repaired, recycled, upcycled and renewed. Now is the time where technology and innovation can be used to solve environmental problems, not add to them. Together, we can create a greener Galaxy.

^{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).}

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 04 May 2021 – As part of Samsung’s R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), under the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment that was launched in March 2019, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) embarked on an initiative to provide opportunities for Black Industrialists (BI’s) in the Recycling sector. Through this initiative Samsung has become an integral partner in the creation and support of black-owned businesses that can manage and impact Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE).

After stringent evaluation, due diligence and presentations to the steering committee, that included representation from the dtic, The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Samsung South Africa, two black women owned businesses – Ilanga E-Waste Management and Matongoni General Trading were selected to participate in the programme.

“We applaud Samsung for this important milestone on their EEIP journey. B-BBEE in South Africa should be supported, promoted and implemented, in particular by big corporates like Samsung. The South African Constitution laid the foundation for a creation of a coherent and inclusive economy. This will only be possible if the SouthAfrican economy builds on the full potential of all persons and communities across the length and breadth of our country.  B-BBEE policy is at the centre of government’s strategy to create such an inclusive economy. This initiative by Samsung is a great example of the policy in action”, said Jacob Maphutha, Chief Director: B-BBEE Policy at the dtic

The programme is structured in two phases. The first phase supports the establishment and growth of Black Industrialists in the e-waste value chains who specialise in collection, dismantling and pre-processing. The second phase aims to partner with industry specialists to develop and introduce beneficiation technology to the BI’s.

“Samsung’s investment in our company has been a complete game-changer for the team. It plays a major role in our business’s capability to meet our long-term fiscal objectives and remain aligned to our vision of a more sustainable future for the country,” said Maria Rakgalakane, Managing Director of Ilanga E-Waste Management.

Ultimately, the investment over the next three years will provide the BI’s with much-needed funding to capitalise the business for plant, equipment and operational expenditure.

“Samsung is focused on the growth of entrepreneurship in South Africa, our investment in the development of e-waste programmes amongst others, is testament to this. The selection of e-waste companies and the support provided plays a pivotal role in affirming Samsung’s commitment to not only growing South Africa’s e-waste economy but also preserving the nation’s natural resources. It is an essential part of Samsung’s mission to put the environment first in all business operations, with several long-term sustainability programmes that include sustainable packaging design and the reduction of carbon footprints through the use of recycled materials. Critically, the positive impact on the environment will result in lasting change that benefits all South Africans,” says Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa

What is Upcycling?

Upcycling is the process of finding new and useful applications for old items or devices.

Why is it Important?

According to the 2017 Global E-waste Monitor, nearly 45 million metric tons of e-waste is discarded annually. Finding innovative ways to repurpose older devices will save more tech from ending up in landfills, conserve considerable amounts of resources, and ultimately create a more sustainable future.

What Does Samsung’s Program Do?

Headquartered in Seoul, the Galaxy Upcycling team explores simple, ‘do-it-yourself’ ways for people to repurpose older Galaxy devices. Over the past year, the team has taken the show on the road, helping others learn how to conveniently connect their old devices to everyday household objects via the Internet of Things (IoT).

What are Some of Their Solutions?

One fun example of the team’s solutions is their Smart Fish Tank Monitor, which enables you to instantly feed your fish and turn on the aquarium light via text message. Another, the Smart Pet Bowl, helps on-the-go pet owners feed their furry little friend, and even snaps a photo of the pet eating that owners can view on their phone.

Additional Images:

Passionate about the environment, the Galaxy Upcycling team finds ingenious ways to repurpose old Galaxy smartphones instead of throwing them out

Galaxy devices are equipped with many useful parts such like cameras and network modules, giving them the power to transform normal devices into connected ones

The Smart Fish Tank monitors various factors in the fish tank and also enables users to feed the fish or turn on an aquarium light by text message

The Smart Pet Bowl takes advantage of the old phone’s plastic packaging and enables pet parents to feed their cats on the go.

The Smart Pet Bowl can even send pictures to the user when the pet eats from the bowl

Galaxy Upcycling solutions were exhibited at Samsung Developer Conference 2017, encouraging visitors to think twice before throwing out smart devices

Source: Newsroom Global