“Environmentally sustainable elements” to debut in first half of the year

Korea’s tech behemoth Samsung is shifting away from plastic packaging to focus on sustainable alternatives.

Big tech companies haven’t exactly been friends of the green movement (even, in some cases, sending e-waste pioneers to prison.) Samsung intends to buck that trend, creating a “task force” to pioneer greener packaging initiatives.

They plan to replace plastic holder trays with molded pulp paper, and protective plastic bags with recyclable and biodegradable plastics.

Example of Samsung's Green Packaging
Here’s an example of molded pulp paper trays.

The tech giant is also experimenting with matte finishes on charger cables, which should reduce the need for protective plastic films. (That’s good. Plastic film is notoriously difficult to recycle, and we’re better off just not making it.)

Additionally, Samsung will only source paper (for packaging and literature) from certified renewable sources.

“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.”

Gyeong-bin Jeon, Head of Customer Satisfaction

I’m as cynical as the next person. I think Samsung is simply following the herd as part of a larger trend targeting single-use plastics.

Still, it’s a positive thing and I’ll give credit where due. With a garbage patch the size of France swirling around the Pacific, it’s good to see a major company get on board.