We’ve heard “reduce, reuse, recycle” DisgustingBut at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Samsung followed Apple’s lead and doubled down on its efforts, using a large number of keynote speeches to emphasize its commitment to sustainable development. The company is specifically expanding its resource recycling efforts, from how equipment is designed to how it is used and ultimately how it is reused or recycled. Samsung uses recycled materials in some of its most popular products.
“We are starting by incorporating recycled materials into some of our favorite products, such as recycled fishing nets in Galaxy,” said Inhee Chung, vice president of corporate sustainability at Samsung. “Smartphones, recycled plastic in TVs and customized refrigerators recycled aluminum in our products. By 2022, recycled plastic will account for 14% of the total plastic used in our products. We are working hard to increase this amount.”
In addition to the manufacturing process, Samsung also considers the environmental impact of its products during use. Innovative features like SmartThings AI Energy Mode help consumers harness connected intelligence to manage home energy. According to Samsung, the number of SmartThings energy users worldwide increased by more than 75% in 2023 (although the company didn’t specify the base, so who knows if that’s as impressive as it sounds).
Samsung also announced the integration of SmartThings Energy with Tesla’s Powerwall solar inverter and Wall Connector EV charging solutions. The partnership means SmartThings energy will allow the Tesla Powerwall Storm Watch to notify users before severe weather events occur and help prepare for power outages by activating energy-saving automation.
Perhaps the most interesting initiative showcased at today’s press conference is the company’s commitment to sustainability beyond end-of-life use. The company prioritizes reuse and recycling, offering refurbished phones through programs such as 35 Renewed and Galaxy Upcycling to help users reuse or repurpose old phones. In one manifestation, the company is working with MIT’s D-Lab to develop new ways to upcycle Samsung devices before they become e-waste. The partnership aims to have a transformative impact on low-income communities in Africa, where the impacts of e-waste are most felt.
Today’s press conference gives me some hope that Samsung’s commitment to a low-carbon circular economy is more than just lip service. From the design of a product to the end of its life, Samsung is proving that technology companies can be sustainable and environmentally responsible. The tech giant is innovating not only in its product line, but also in its environmental footprint, moving toward a greener, more sustainable future.
Could they have done more? Probably yes, but the metrics and milestones outlined today do seem to exceed what the cynics among us would expect from businesses around the world; these initiatives are real, and putting them into action requires real money and energy.
Please say more.
