Samsung

Overall CSR Plan

Samsung’s green showcase at the CES show focused on a holistic approach to the energy and life cycle impacts of its products and systems. At its keynote, Samsung announced that “By 2020 Samsung will have invested 23 billion dollars on green initiatives.”

Samsung’s Eco Vision focuses on core areas including reducing greenhouse gas emissions from product manufacturing and use, as well as expanding innovative, eco-friendly products in the market.

As part of the company’s Eco Management Plan 2013, which is a mid-term environmental plan, Samsung aims to:

• Reduce emissions from facilities by 50 percent on a financial emissions intensity basis until 2013
• Reduce indirect emissions from products by 84 million tons by the end of 2013
• Exceed its Good Eco Product criteria for 100 percent of its products, as well as operate an Eco Device rating system for its semiconductors and LCD TVs

E-Cycling Overview

According to the Samsung site, “Samsung Electronics has established take back systems to comply with the requirements of recycling laws where they exist.”

The Samsung Recycling Direct program offers drop-off locations in all 50 states, as well as mail-back components for a myriad of Samsung-branded products. Recycling Samsung products is free, and non-Samsung products will be accepted for nominal fees, which range in price based on the location of the drop-off.

As of Oct. 1, 2010, the program has collected almost 50 million pounds of e-waste since its start in 2008.

Green Products

Probably most well-known of Samsung’s green cell phone line-up, the Blue Earth phone is an example of Samsung’s objective to address multiple aspects of its products. Its solar charging panel, high-efficiency charger, lack of hazardous materials such as phthalates and 40 percent recycled cover, embody a life cycle approach to creating more responsible products.

Samsung is also jumping on the smart grid trend with appliances such as an eco-friendly refrigerator that can tell when foods are approaching their expiration dates. The refrigerator also incorporates smart grid features to help consumers manage their home energy usage, among a number of other features.

Read Samsung’s most recent sustainability reports here.

Next: Toshiba