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.

As we stride into a future largely driven by technology, it has become crucial to appreciate the urgent need to prioritise the planet as an equally, if not more important, part of the advancement. With the Galaxy S24 Series, Samsung has seamlessly integrated eco-conscious design principles with great innovation. As the world commemorates Earth Day on April 22, 2024, this article explores how, through this device, Samsung is making a mark in sustainable product development.

The Galaxy S24 is a demonstration of progress against Samsung’s mobile environmental roadmap. The company remains dedicated to delivering on its set of goals to be achieved by the end of 2025. At the end of 2022, the company achieved the first of these goals by incorporating recycled materials in all mobile products, from Galaxy smartphones and tablets to PC’s and wearables. The company has now set a new recycle material goal and that is to incorporate at least one recycled material in every module of every product by 2030.

Taking the efforts to scale recycled materials a step further, the Galaxy S24 Series incorporates recycled aluminium, glass, plastic, and more. Samsung has meticulously sourced and integrated expanded recycled materials across the product, including neodymium, iron, and copper in key components. Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond the product itself. Notably, the packaging box of the Galaxy S24 is crafted from 100% recycled paper material, reducing waste and environmental impact.

In a pioneering move, the Galaxy S24 Series utilises recycled cobalt and rare earth elements, setting a new standard for responsible sourcing in consumer electronics. Additionally, the Galaxy S24 is the first Galaxy device to incorporate steel and pre-consumer recycled Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), further minimising our environmental footprint while maintaining high standards of performance and quality.

Recognising the importance of durability in sustainable design, the Galaxy S24 Series features a recycled metal frame for enhanced structural integrity. This not only prolongs the lifespan of the device but also reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing to a more sustainable consumption cycle.

Sustainability efforts cannot be achieved in isolation, and this Earth day Samsung encourages its consumers and everyone to join the fight in their own spaces by not only getting products and appliances that are environmentally friendly but also by being eco-conscious and adopting daily habits that align. Samsung Galaxy ecosystem is more than a set of devices, it’s a manifestation of the company’s comment to a more sustainable future for all, which it’s excited to bring you along each step of the way.

“At Samsung, we firmly believe that sustainability is not merely a passing trend but rather a profound and unwavering commitment that we are duty-bound to uphold. With the Galaxy S24 Series, we aimed to inspire a new era of eco-conscious innovation, where technology and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. By deliberately prioritising our efforts in sustainable design and production, we are doing our bit to pave the way towards a greener, more sustainable future,” said Justin Hume, Vice President for Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics South Africa.

Earth Day is globally recognised as a demonstration of support for our environment, and now more than ever, all of us have a responsibility to protect the planet. This year Samsung is building on its Planet-First philosophy with its “Everyday Sustainability” vision” – focused on the products its customers use in their daily lives and how they can be designed to benefit the environment. South African influencers joined Samsung on Earth Day in April, showcasing a world where technology can exist together with people to preserve the planet for future generations.

Captured on a lazy, sunny day at the beach, Seth Shezi, took to Instagram on Earth Day to share his passion for technology created with consideration of both the user and the environment.

Jo-Ann Strauss brought the magnificence of the planet and Africa’s beauty into stunning focus on Instagram, as she demonstrated one of Samsung’s most eco-focused products, Samsung’s Wind-Free Air Conditioner. With its anti-bacterial systems and dust filters¹, it allows you to enjoy fresh and clean air, while effortlessly aiming at saving its users ‘costs on extra maintenance, through electrical efficiency. As a mother, Jo-Ann Strauss has become even more aware of the monumental responsibility that sits on our shoulders to look after our Planet. By choosing eco-friendly appliances, she’s intent on creating an environment conducive to both her family’s comfort as well as the preservation of the Earth.

Dr.Sivu was charged up for Earth Day by showcasing the Galaxy Z series’ intelligent dual-battery and why it’s a device not so much in service to its owner but to the planet. With her stylish Galaxy Z Flip3 seemingly taking a cool dip in the ocean, ready to capture the sunset Koketso Chipane’s Earth Day content on Instagram captured her belief that every little bit helps – to make everyday sustainability a possibility.

Samsung remains committed to forever incorporating sustainability into everything it does – from product design to development, from manufacturing to consumption and recycling. Through eco-consciousness, Samsung continues to spearhead responsible innovation so that the future of our planet can be more sustainable for the coming generations.

¹The Triple-Care system was tested on Samsung AR9500T. The antiviral air filter (Tri-Care Filter) can remove up to 99.9% of the viruses based on Intertek Test. Data has been measured under specific testing conditions and may vary depending on environmental factors and individual use. Bacteria tests conducted on Staphyloccus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia The Triple-Care system was tested by a Korea test lab for anti-bacteria & virus, Japan test lab for anti-allergy. Data has been measured under specific testing conditions and may vary depending on environmental factors and individual use.

. Data has been measured under specific testing conditions and may vary depending on environmental factors and individual use.

(From left) Engineers Kwanyoung Kim and Seungsan Han, and designer Sungdo Son – members of Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business, and the developers behind the company’s new solar cell-powered remote control and environmentally friendly TV packaging

 JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 21 June 2021 –Did you know that out of the more than 50 million^[1] tons of electronics that are thrown away each year, only a mere 17 percent is eventually recycled? Most of this ‘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, the global community has started taking steps to reduce consumption and minimise waste.

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 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. Our first article took a closer look at how the company’s recycling campaigns are giving old phones new life. Here, we’ll examine how Samsung’s Visual Display Business is making its TVs more sustainable by adopting eco-friendly packaging and solar-cell-powered remote controls.

Today, innovation no longer focuses solely on creating a more convenient and efficient future, but a sustainable one as well. As such, leaders in the fields of science and technology are devoting their utmost efforts to making their products eco-friendly without compromising on performance.

Samsung consistently pursues innovations that allow it to make its products more environmentally friendly. Recently, the company added an eco-friendly touch to one of consumers’ favourite appliances by developing a remote control that’s made using renewable plastic and powered by photovoltaic energy rather than disposable batteries, as well as TV packaging that can be reused as small furniture. Samsung Newsroom recently sat down with members of the team behind the innovations that are making Samsung TVs more sustainable.

A Solar Cell-Powered Remote Control That Charges Itself Using Photovoltaic Energy

Even if you have a nice, big, high-performance TV in your living room, you won’t be able to fully enjoy its countless channels and manage the volume and other features without a remote control. When exploring ways to make remote controls more eco-conscious, Samsung’s developers focused their attention on disposable batteries.

“Supposing that a typical TV is used for around seven years, changing the batteries in its remote just once a year would mean that 14 batteries would get used and thrown out,” said Kwanyoung Kim, an engineer. If we apply that number to Samsung Electronics’ expected annual global TV sales, it amounts to approximately 99 million discarded batteries. If we apply it to annual TV sales overall, it adds up to nearly 3.1 billion batteries.^[1]

[1] 2020 global annual TV sales figures are based on findings from market research firm OMDIA.

▲Over the course of a TV’s lifetime, a solar cell-powered remote control could effectively prevent up to 99 million AA batteries from being used and discarded.

Rather than using disposable batteries in the remote, the engineers decided to go with a self-charging battery instead. Many charging methods were considered, including one that harnessed the kinetic energy that’s created when the remote is shaken, and one that utilised the vibrational energy that’s created when the microphone picks up sounds. As Kim explained, at the end of the day, the optimal charging solution turned out to be a solar cell.

“Even when we aren’t watching our TV or using our remote, we usually have the lights on, except when we are sleeping. This makes light an easily accessible charging solution,” said Kim. “If we substituted disposable batteries with self-charging solar cell batteries like the one we’ve developed; it would amount to reducing up to around 6,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.”

How exactly does the remote control generate energy from the fluorescent lights in our living rooms? Put simply, its solar panel takes in photons from light, which react with the electrons in the solar cells to create electricity. The difference between outdoor panels and indoor panels is the spectrum of light being used. “You can’t get as much light indoors compared to sunlight,” added Kim, “so we decided to utilise solar cells that generate energy even in low-light indoor environments.”

Increasing Electricity Efficiency Makes Solar Cell-Powered Remote Controls Possible

Because the amount of electricity that could be created by converting light energy simply wasn’t enough, it would be impossible to generate enough energy for the remote control using solar cells alone. This led the engineers to create a low power remote control instead of searching for ways to increase energy production.

The engineers succeeded in increasing the remote control’s energy efficiency by reducing its power consumption by 86 percent.^[1] They did this by taking users’ TV watching patterns, the number of times they pressed their remote control’s buttons, and usage time into account. As Kim explained, the solar cells in the final product “can provide up to 70 percent of the power used by the remote control.”

[1] Compared to remote controls of Samsung Electronics’ 2020 TV models.

Making the design of the typical TV remote control, which has remained unchanged until now, more sustainable was no simple task. The colour of the solar panel was already determined, so it was difficult to apply various colours to the remote control’s design. One of the team’s key concerns was that the remote control’s panel would need to be raised up high in order to be charged via light. “The solar panel itself is grey, so if we used a colour other than black for the battery, it wouldn’t go well with the overall product design,” said Kim. “We also needed the design to encourage consumers to do their part to help the environment.”

The remote control is so small that you could ask whether it even needs to be energy-saving. If you asked the developers, they would tell you that, because the final product is even more eco-conscious than they anticipated, its design was undoubtedly meaningful and their efforts were worthwhile. Their ultimate goal is to develop a solar cell-powered remote control that is capable of charging itself up to the full amount of energy that it needs.

“TV remote controls are frequently used products, and our aim is to create the kind of remote that offers users meaningful value, and can be a deciding factor when purchasing a TV,” said Kim.

Use of Recycled Plastic Materials Contributes to a Huge Reduction in CO2 Emissions

Solar panel technology isn’t the only thing that makes Samsung’s new remote control especially eco-friendly. Indeed, the plastic material used to create this roughly 50g device is comprised of 28 percent recycled plastic. Samsung has been utilising recycled plastic in its products for a long time, and has received various certifications for its eco-friendliness. Now, the company has expanded its scope by applying recycled materials to accessories like remote controls as well.

Recycled plastic is enticing because it reuses resources, but not everything about it comes easily. For a start, unit prices go up during the manufacturing process. While Samsung’s VD business does utilise plastic waste that has been collected in Korea, the volume is so small that additional resources need to be imported from overseas. This process causes costs to go up by five percent at the least, and 10 percent at the most.

“The amount of plastics used by Samsung Electronics’ VD Business alone is 250,000 tons,” said Seungsan Han, an engineer and colleague of Kim’s. “Even substituting 10 to 30 percent of that with recycled plastics would require 30,000 to 70,000 tons.”

Despite those costs, Samsung is committed to increasing its usage of recycled materials based on their clear eco-conscious benefits. According to Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), a methodology for assessing environmental impact, products made using approximately 28 percent recycled plastics emit 15 percent less CO2 than products made from non-recycled plastics. In an effort to maximise its use of eco-friendly materials, Samsung also explores ways to utilise waste that has been thrown indiscriminately into the sea. “Twenty percent of the waste that gets thrown into the sea is plastic bottles,” said Han. “That coastal waste is called OBP material, and we can use it to produce electronics.”

More Interest in Eco-Friendliness Widens the Range of Recycled Materials

Samsung has long practiced eco-conscious business management, and has been developing eco-conscious products and technologies for several years. As a result, the company is now capable of producing high-quality products using recycled materials, while keeping unit prices at manageable levels.

▲ Samsung’s eco-friendly solar cell-powered remote control.

Samsung currently utilises recycled plastics when producing many products, including not just its new, solar cell-powered remote control, but other remote controls as well. Eco-conscious materials are used in the company’s monitors, signage stands, and back covers, too. “In the future, the use of recycled materials will be expanded to include more Samsung TV products,” said Han. “With 2030 being the year when we hope to reach our ultimate achievement, we will keep increasing our use of recycled plastics each year.”

Eco-Packaging: What Would Be Trash Becomes Small Furniture

Increasing products’ efficiency and using recycled materials are clear ways to become more eco-conscious. Now, efforts are being made to address the eco-friendliness of products’ packaging, which would usually be thrown away. Allowing consumers to use their TV’s packaging to make small furniture, the eco-packaging that Samsung introduced in 2020 is a perfect example of this point.

The TVs’ eco-packaging first began as a project of C-Lab, Samsung’s in-house start-up incubation program. The C-Lab developers were wondering how best to recycle TVs’ packaging when they noticed that Serif TV users were placing their set-top box, small furniture, and electric devices under their TV as if it were a cabinet. This led them to the idea to use TVs’ strong cardboard packaging to make small, long-lasting furniture, which became the foundation for a new type of ‘eco-packaging.’

Eco-packaging’s manufacturing process is mostly the same as that of other packaging, but also includes the application of a dotted pattern that helps users assemble the packaging into furniture. Although adding the dotted patterns sounds easy and could be achieved by simply printing graphics, the task presented some difficulties as well. The thicknesses and specifications of the cardboard boxes varied slightly by country, which entailed continuous communication with various parties. “Although we faced many difficulties when making the eco-packaging, we managed to do a great job thanks to the efforts of many people, including the Graphics Team,” said Sungdo Son, a Samsung Electronics designer.

Easy to Make, Beautiful to Behold

Simple steps for assembling the furniture can be found on the website embedded in the QR code printed on the side of the eco-packaging. “The website, which was recently updated, not only offers instructions on how to make furniture, but also provides an overall introduction to eco-packaging with relevant videos,” said Son. “We’ve arranged the website based on difficulty, so users can choose the type of furniture they’d like to make depending on their skill level.”

The cardboard furniture displayed on the website are all items that were chosen by designers who actually tried making them themselves. “When we focused on aesthetics, it became difficult to make the furniture, and the designs often didn’t end up being very useful,” said Son. “On the other hand, when the furniture was too easy to make, it didn’t look so great. We also got rid of any furniture designs that could potentially create safety issues.”

Samsung’s safety- and environmentally conscious eco-packaging has gone beyond lifestyle TVs and is now being applied across the company’s entire 2021 TV line-up. The employees involved in developing the eco-packaging hope that it will eventually reach much more consumers, and will help encourage them to contribute to environmental conservation in any way they can. “Samsung is known for producing technologically advanced products, but I want others to know that Samsung also believes that little things like these matter, and we are working on them as well,” said Son.