Samsung Electronics takes a step forward in reducing the use of plastic to protect the environment. Today it announced its plans to utilize environmentally sustainable material instead of plastic packaging material. Samsung, from the first half of 2019 itself, the packaging used at present will be replaced by environmentally sustainable materials like recycled/bio-based plastics and paper.
Samsung Electronics is stepping up in addressing society’s environmental issues such as resource depletion and plastic wastes. We are committed to recycling resources and minimizing pollution coming from our products. We will adopt more environmentally sustainable materials even if it means an increase in cost – Jeon Gyeong-bin, head of Samsung’s Global Customer Satisfaction Center
In the task of revamping product packaging and producing innovative packaging ideas, Samsung has organized a task force concentrating on design and development, purchasing, marketing, and quality control.
For mobile phone, tablet, and wearable products, Samsung plan to introduce a number of changes: replace the plastic used for holder trays with pulp molds; replace the bag wrapping accessories with eco-friendly materials; substitute glossy exterior with a matte finish, and oust plastic protection films.
Recycled bags made from plastic wastes and bags made from bioplastics such as starch or sugarcane will replace plastic bags used for surface protection of appliances in the domestic sphere.
In accordance with the company’s circular economy policy, Samsung Electronics has resolved upon a mid-term implementation plan to only use paper packaging materials certified by forestry initiatives by next year. For packaging and manuals, the only paper produced from fiber materials certified by global environmental organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme, and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative would be used.
By 2030, Samsung aims to use 500 thousand tons of recycled plastics and collect 7.5 million tons of discarded products (both cumulative from 2009).
