Samsung Advances Sustainability Efforts on Global Recycling Day

Samsung has been taking measures for several years to increasingly ensure that its products promote the importance of recycling. On Global Recycling Day, celebrated on March 18, the company highlighted how technological alternatives can advance artificial intelligence, connectivity, and interactivity, while promoting a circular economy and other sustainable actions.

Smartphones, tablets, screens, and monitors already incorporate components made from recycled materials, with the Galaxy S24 series being the pioneer in using recycled cobalt and rare earth elements, underscored Alejandro Jaritz, Senior Vice President, Consumer Electronics Division, Samsung Mexico.

These efforts extend to packaging as well. For instance, the Eco-Packaging of appliances and screens reduces ink usage, incorporates paper tape to decrease plastic use, and features a QR code that links users to materials that inform them how to repurpose the cardboard for home items like magazine racks, tables, or pet houses. Other products, like the SolarCell Remote Control, contain 24% recycled material in their plastic components and are rechargeable via solar or indoor lighting, potentially preventing the disposal of 99 million batteries into the environment. 

Samsung has committed to incorporate more recycled materials into its products, such as recycled plastic from discarded fishing nets in Galaxy devices, recycled plastic in screens, and recycled aluminum in BESPOKE refrigerators, underscored Jaritz. 

Samsung will implement AI to optimize energy usage in devices through the SmartThings app and AI Energy Mode, which automatically adjusts equipment operation to enhance electricity savings. These efforts are aimed to be integrated into all stages of supply, production, distribution, use, and recycling. Thus, even service centers have implemented paper-free measures and conscious repairs to only replace damaged parts.

Regarding user participation in circular economy efforts, the Korean company has initiated a program to encourage technology recycling. For instance, participating Samsung stores have established collection points for electronic waste, including cell phones, accessories, tablets, smartwatches, headphones, Galaxy Buds, and charging batteries. This initiative is complemented by EcoRenew, allowing consumers to recycle their old televisions, monitors, or appliances while saving money on purchasing new devices.