Subscribe

Samsung in ‘green’ push for TV line-up

Simnikiwe Mzekandaba
By Simnikiwe Mzekandaba, IT in government editor
Johannesburg, 07 Jan 2021

Over the next few years, Samsung Electronics will embark on a journey of “going green” in aligning its TV business operations.

Speaking at its first ever virtual “First Look” event ahead of CES 2021, JH Han, president of visual display business at Samsung Electronics, said the company has embraced sustainability for the environment and future generations.

Samsung TVs are going green, announced Han. “Our major long-time goal is to ensure sustainable production and consumption, which will then decrease our carbon footprint during the production process.

“We will also reduce e-waste by extending the use and lifespan of resources. This means including more recycled materials across our entire TV line-up. When it comes to e-waste, we will affect change by providing products that are durable.

“Going green is a critical response to the environmental issues our planet faces. We hope that by taking these steps, we will inspire others in the TV industry to follow.”

The South Korean electronics giant has identified three long-term sustainability programmes in order to achieve its “green” objective.

The first of these programmes is reducing carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency.

Samsung says it will seek to systematically decrease its overall carbon footprint in TV manufacturing. The company also plans to lower user power consumption and use more recycled materials across its entire TV line.

In 2021, Samsung TVs will come with a solar-powered remote control – a first-of-its-kind innovation for the brand.

Second in the line of programmes is introducing a sustainable packaging design. Building on valuable consumer feedback, Samsung says it is expanding its eco-packaging design to all 2021 lifestyle TVs and most of the 2021 Neo QLED line.

“This sustainable solution can upcycle up to 200 000 tons of corrugated boxes each year. By minimising text and graphic imagery on the eco-packaging, the oil-based ink from colour printing that’s traditionally used on TV boxes is eliminated, helping to further reduce waste.”

Samsung is also planning to introduce solar cell remote control. In 2021, Samsung TVs will come with a solar-powered remote control that can be recharged by indoor light, outdoor light or USB – a first-of-its-kind innovation for the brand.

This, says Samsung, will help prevent waste from a projected 99 million AAA batteries over seven years.

To construct the remote, Samsung says it innovated the manufacturing process that upcycles plastics from recyclable bottles, including 24% recycled content.

In the past, CES has been a platform for tech giants like Samsung to unveil their latest product portfolios.

However, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hold its grip on the world, major tech conferences like CES are taking place online.

Samsung’s "First Look” live stream introduced to the world its latest TV line-up, which the company says underscores its commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and innovation.

“During the past year, we have witnessed the pivotal role technology played in helping us carry on with our lives and stay connected with each other,” says Han.

“Our commitment to an inclusive and sustainable future goes hand-in-hand with our relentless pursuit for innovation to meet consumers’ ever-changing needs – from reducing the carbon footprint of our products, to providing a suite of accessibility features, to offering an unparalleled viewing experience that fits each user’s lifestyle.”

Share