Photo credit: Samsung

Samsung Electronics has officially achieved a “Zero Waste to Landfill” Platinum designation across all its global manufacturing sites — a major leap forward in its mission toward a circular economy and sustainable production.

The certification, awarded by UL Solutions, a global safety science organization, recognizes companies that successfully divert nearly all waste from landfills. Platinum is the highest level of recognition, representing 100% landfill diversion, while Gold and Silver correspond to 95–99% and 90–94%, respectively.

Samsung’s accomplishment comes just three years after launching its Environmental Strategy in 2022, which focuses on climate action and resource circularity. Since then, the company has steadily expanded recycling initiatives, transformed industrial waste into reusable materials, and strengthened on-site waste sorting systems worldwide.
Last year, all 10 business sites of Samsung’s Device Solutions (DS) Division earned the Platinum mark through integrated validation. In July 2025, the Device eXperience (DX) Division’s Hungarian subsidiary (SEH-P) joined the list, completing Platinum validation for all 22 domestic and overseas manufacturing sites.

To reach this milestone, Samsung implemented stricter waste management systems, enhanced employee training, and refined waste separation processes. Food waste and paper are composted, while general and construction debris are recycled into alternative fuels and raw materials. Even e-waste and battery residues are repurposed into solid fuels, helping the company push closer to total landfill diversion.

Samsung also continues to innovate in semiconductor recycling technologies, converting waste liquids into cleaning agents and water treatment materials. Substances such as adsorbents, activated carbon, and catalysts are regenerated for reuse — reducing the need for new raw materials.

In 2024 alone, Samsung recycled approximately 1.32 million tonnes of waste, equivalent to filling around 260,000 five-tonne trucks.

The company’s Galaxy S25 series further reflects this commitment. The smartphone line integrates recycled cobalt from used devices and production scraps through Samsung’s Circular Battery Supply Chain, as well as recycled wafer trays from semiconductor manufacturing.

Looking ahead, Samsung plans to refine waste sorting and material-specific management to ensure higher-quality recycling and expand its use of repurposed materials in future products.

“This achievement marks a major milestone in Samsung’s environmental management strategy,” said Junhwa Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Global EHS Office, DX Division at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to apply innovation across all areas of our business to put sustainable management into practice.”

With this global milestone, Samsung reinforces its pledge to reduce environmental impact — proving that tech innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.