In what is quickly becoming a trend, Samsung Electronics (the world’s 18th largest company) announced it is making a dramatic change in how it packages its products, like phones, tablets, wearables, and appliances. The company just announced it is going to discontinue using non-recyclable plastic in its packaging this year, making it the latest international company to reduce its plastic waste footprint by replacing foam with sustainable alternatives like paper, pulp molds and bio-based products. In the first half of 2019, Samsung’s current packaging for products and accessories will be replaced with recycled or bio-based plastics and paper.
Samsung’s goal is to use 500-thousand tons of recycled plastics within the next decade and collect 7.5 tons of discarded products by 2030. The company says it is dedicated to reducing emissions, even if it means spending more money. It also said it would alter the design of its mobile phone chargers, eliminating plastic protection films by replacing their glossy exteriors for a matte finish. “Samsung Electronics is stepping up in addressing society’s environmental issues such as resource depletion and plastic wastes,” said Gyeong-bin Jeon, head of Samsung’s Global Customer Satisfaction Center, adding, “we will adopt more environmentally sustainable materials even if it means an increase in cost.” Samsung will also replace the plastic bags used to protect televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines with recycled materials and bioplastics that come from non-fossil fuel sources, which are made from materials such as starch and sugar cane. It has pledged to use paper that has been certified by “global environmental organizations” – such as the non-profit Forest Stewardship Council – in its manuals by 2020.
Samsung is in good company – in 2018, more than 40 businesses, including Coca-Cola, P&G, and Unilever, made a pledge to cut plastic pollution by doing things like removing unnecessary single-use packaging and ensuring that 70 percent of plastic packaging is effectively recycled. Earlier this year, Nestle announced it would discontinue plastic straws and begin producing biodegradable water bottles.
No matter what trends come along, you can be sure that Pioneer Packaging will do our best to stay ahead of them, making sure your company does, as well. Contact us today to learn how we can help you become a trendsetter in your industry.