Giving plastic a new purpose
New products made from recycled plastics play a crucial role in Samsung’s sustainability efforts.
Plastics have made their into almost every product we use and wear. They're even a part of the packaging for much of what we eat. Drilling and refining oil to make plastic contributes to global warming with as much as 2.8 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually according to the Center for International Environmental Law.1 Unfortunately, most plastics end up in landfills and oceans instead of recycling bins. The environmental impact of plastic is undeniable. By eliminating single-use plastic and incorporating more recycled plastic content into new products, Samsung is working towards sustainable solutions that save energy, save resources and minimize e-waste. But we can’t do it alone. You can help us make a difference and create a more sustainable, circular economy.
Our commitment to a more sustainable world
To address the impact of plastics on our planet, we recently announced an ambitious goal: by 2025, all Samsung mobile products will contain recycled material, and all single-use plastic will be eliminated from smartphone packaging. We’ve already started our transition to environmentally conscious packaging and the use of recycled plastic in a variety of new products. For us, sustainability isn’t just following a trend – it’s the future of Samsung.
Where does recycled plastic come from?
Samsung sources post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic from a variety of processing and manufacturing partners. Reclaimed plastics are made into pellets and combined with virgin plastic to create durable material with a lower impact on the environment. Manufacturing recycled plastic uses a third less energy than virgin plastic and reduces the need to drill for oil, which damages the environment. In 2020, we used approximately 31,000 metric tons of PCR plastic in our products. We work to increase our use of recycled materials in every generation of products and packaging.
Sun-powered sustainability
The SolarCell Remote is one example of how sustainable design not only supports a better environment, it creates a better product. Included with 2021 Samsung QLED TVs, the Solar Cell Remote saves energy and minimizes waste. It recharges using sunlight or the ambient light in your living room, as well as through a USB connection. You'll save the cost and environmental damage created by disposable batteries, and because it includes 28% PCR plastic, the remote reduces the need for new materials.
Mobile design that’s better for the planet
We are designing new products using recycled plastics to make every facet of your digital life more sustainable. With our 2025 goal approaching, many mobile accessories already feature innovative designs using recycled post-consumer materials. The new Galaxy smartphone charger, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds2 all include 20% PCR plastic. Sustainability never looked and sounded so good.
Putting sustainability to work
Greening your workspace doesn’t just mean adding a potted plant or two. All Samsung business monitors are made with up to 30% recycled plastic, and some of our mobile accessory packaging uses 20% sugarcane-based fiber instead of single-use plastic. As a bonus, select smart monitor models also include the SolarCell Remote.
Do your part by recycling e-waste
Reducing plastic in our products is only one part of the equation. It takes the cooperation of designers, manufacturers, governments and consumers to help create a more environmentally responsible, circular economy. You can help by reducing the amount of used electronics that goes into the trash. Communities all over the country have e-waste recycling and takeback programs where you can bring your old phones, TVs, monitors and other home electronics to be reclaimed. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against climate change.
Shop Certified Re-Newed
Another smart way you can help reduce plastic is to buy a Samsung Certified Re-Newed device. With nearly zero carbon footprint, buying Re-Newed devices saves energy, time and resources. All Samsung Certified Re-Newed devices are thoroughly tested to perform in like-new condition and come with a one-year warranty. Plus, they’re less expensive than buying a brand new device, so you can save money while you help save the environment.
1Visit https://www.ciel.org/reports/plastic-health-the-hidden-costs-of-a-plastic-planet-may-2019 for additional information about the environmental impact of plastic.
Choose products made with recycled plastic
Buy new products designed with sustainability in mind, or save more than money with a Samsung Certified Re-Newed phone.
43” M7 4K UHD Smart Monitor
Galaxy Buds2
Galaxy S20 5G Samsung Certified Re-Newed
