"Samsung is increasing its handling of public environmental problems such as scarcity of resources and plastic waste. We are committed to recycling resources and minimizing pollution from our products," said Samsung Gyeong-bin Jeon's head of Global Customer Satisfaction.
Starting in mid-2019, the packaging used today for Samsung products and accessories, from cellphones and tablets to household appliances, will be replaced by materials such as recycled or biodegradable paper and plastic in order to get an environmentally friendly packaging.
To change product packaging, Samsung has formed a task force that involves design and development, purchasing, marketing and quality control for innovative eco packaging ideas. For mobile phones, tablets, and products that can be used, Samsung will replace the plastic used as a holder with a pulp mold, and bag wrapping accessories with environmentally friendly materials.
"We will adopt materials that are more environmentally friendly even if it can increase costs," said Gyeong-bin Jeon. "Samsung will also change the design of cell phone chargers, swap the glossy exterior with a matte finish and remove plastic protective film to reduce the use of plastic".
Meanwhile, plastic bags used to protect household appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines and other kitchen equipment will also be replaced with bags containing recycled materials and bioplastics. These materials are made from plastic and non-plastic waste, non-fossil fuels, such as starch or sugar cane.
Whereas instead of paper, Samsung will only use fiber materials that are certified by global environmental organizations, such as the Forest Stewardship Council, the Program for Ratification of the Forest Certification Scheme and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative for packaging and manuals by 2020.
"Under the company's circular economic policy, Samsung Electronics has established a medium-term implementation plan to only use certified paper packaging materials," Gyeong-bin Jeon said.
In 2030, Samsung aims to use 500 thousand tons of recycled plastic and collect 7.5 million tons of discarded products. Both have been accumulated since 2009.