According to the United Nations, a staggering 8 million tons of plastic end up in the world’s oceans every year. Even more shocking is that since the 1950s, over 8.3 billion tons of plastic has been produced – and just 1% of that figure comes from renewable, non-fossil fuel-based resources. Samsung’s move is aimed at helping mitigate the crisis.
Leading South Korean technology giant has announced that it is following in the footsteps of governments and organizations the world over in implementing sustainable packaging practices for its products in order to reduce plastic consumption and waste.
The company has announced that 2019 will see it begin to switch to more environmentally-friendly packaging formats across its portfolio.
To revamp product packaging, Samsung Electronics has formed a task force involving design and development, purchasing, marketing and quality control for innovative packaging ideas.
For mobile phone, tablet and wearable products, Samsung will replace the plastic used for holder trays with pulp molds, and bags wrapping accessories with eco-friendly materials. Samsung will also alter the phone charger design, swapping the glossy exterior with a matte finish and eliminating plastic protection films, reducing the use of plastics.
The plastic bags used to protect the surface of home appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners
Regarding paper, Samsung will only use 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 for packaging and manuals by 2020.