June 5 is World Environment Day, declared by the United Nations in 1972 to promote global awareness and action to protect our environment. Each year focuses on a different theme. The theme of this year ‘Environmental Recovery’ was chosen to emphasize the importance of environmental restoration and protection of ecosystems.
Science and technology have made our lives easier and more comfortable, with many innovative products and services that fit into our daily routines. The turning point is the development of serious global environmental challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity. Issues threatening the future of our world.
To help mitigate these issues, Samsung is committed to integrating environmental sustainability into its business.
SVP Hyongnam Kim, President of Samsung Electronics’ Global CS Center
Minimize environmental impact throughout the product life cycle
Our products are carefully designed to minimize their impact on the environment. First, in the product development process. We have introduced the environmental design process for evaluating products against eco-sensitive standards in many countries, including the United States and Korea. In 2008, Samsung set up an eco-team and task force to accelerate efforts to develop eco-friendly products.
Efforts for sustainability in the production phase continue. Renewable energy sources such as solar energy and geothermal energy are expanding in our facilities. Including the use of recycled water and waste. Last year, Samsung produced 100% renewable electricity for all facilities in the US, Europe and China. In addition, Samsung plans to expand its use of renewable energy to other locations.
To reduce packaging waste, the plastic and shrink film are partially modified by packaging made from renewable bio-raw materials. Paper suppliers must also have a forest maid certificate. By the end of 2020, all paper used in the manuals and packaging of our mobile and consumer electronics products will be completely replaced.
In the final stages of the product life cycle, waste collection and recycling projects are active worldwide, currently in 55 different countries. For example, users in the United States can redirect their discarded mobile devices to more than 500 uBreakiFix locations in an independent repair chain.
Reduction of 301 million tons of greenhouse gas
Thanks to improvements in the entire product life cycle, Samsung has increased the average energy consumption per product by 32%[1]Reduced. This represents a reduction of 301 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the past 12 years. In addition, Samsung recycled more than 4.54 million tons of electrical waste from 2009 to 2020 through its global e-waste collection sites.
To encourage customers to use their products for a longer period of time, Samsung has installed a quick and easy repair process for users. Samsung provides product repair information and parts for contract repair shops and independent repair shops.
Eco-conscious rise
Last year, Samsung introduced eco-packaging for TVs. With special cardboard boxes that you can turn into toys or small furniture, development and creativity in people are encouraged.
In addition, Samsung recently launched its Galaxy Upcycling at Home program, which allows users in Korea, the US and the United Kingdom to use their unused Galaxy smartphones as IoT devices. The program re-uses cameras from older smartphones for medical examination. For example, these can help solve preventable vision events with a proper diagnosis.
