Samsung – Strengthening circularity of Galaxy devices

Samsung aims to integrate sustainability into Galaxy devices throughout their lifecycle. Since launching the Galaxy for the Planet initiative in 2021, Samsung has been focusing on applying recycled materials into Galaxy products, eliminating plastic from packaging, implementing zero standby power consumption for all smartphone chargers, and achieving zero waste to landfill for our production facilities. One of the milestones was when the company transformed discarded fishing nets into key components of the Galaxy S22 series in 2022, as part of Samsung’s broader circular materials strategy. The company has since expanded the use of recycled materials in its subsequent flagship models such as Galaxy S23 and S24, to include various types of recycled plastics, glass, aluminium, rare earth elements, cobalt and steel. 

With the latest Galaxy S25 series, the company is taking another step forward to reducing waste, using less resources and advancing product circularity through new innovations. First, every external component of Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ incorporates at least one recycled material. Each device also includes at least 50% recycled cobalt for its battery, and for the first time, the S25 model’s batteries are made with recycled cobalt sourced from previous Galaxy devices or the batteries discarded during the manufacturing process. Samsung’s new Circular Battery Supply Chain with like-minded partners goes through multiple manufacturing phases to recover cobalt from previously used Galaxy batteries. This includes dismantling the used batteries and discharging and shredding them to safely recover the cobalt to give them a second life to power the new S25. This is a major step in the company’s efforts to enhance circularity, reduce e-waste and preserve natural resources. 

Samsung is also working to embrace circularity across different businesses and divisions. For example, the company is using recycled plastic repurposed from discarded wafer trays from its semiconductor manufacturing process in its Galaxy products. 

Samsung will continue to collaborate with like-minded partners to foster sustainable and circular practices throughout the lifecycle of products.