Samsung has announced plans to replace its plastic packaging with paper and other environmentally sustainable materials. The initiative begins in the first half of 2019, as the company will utilize recycled/bio-based plastics and paper for the packaging of everything from mobile phones and tablets to home appliances. Samsung is designating a new task force to lead in design and development, purchasing, marketing and quality control for innovative packaging ideas.

“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. “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.”

Plastic used for holder trays for mobile phone, tablet and wearable products will be replaced with pulp molds and bags wrapping accessories with eco-friendly materials. The company's phone charger design will no longer feature a glossy exterior, instead opting for a matte finish to eliminate plastic protection films and reduce the use of plastics.

Plastic bags that protect vulnerable areas of home appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines will be replaced with recycled materials and bioplastics as well, typically made from plastic wastes and non-fossil fuel materials like starch or sugar cane.

Lastly, Samsung is committed to replacing its current paper with fiber materials certified by global environmental organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative for packaging and manuals by 2020.

The company hopes to use 500 thousand tons of recycled plastics and collect 7.5 million tons of discarded products by 2030.