2Sustain

With a tip of the hat to America Recycles Day (which was yesterday, November 15, in case you missed it), Samsung Electronics America, Inc. announced last Friday that during this month, it has recycled its 12 millionth pound of e-waste for the year.

This milestone was achieved through Samsung Recycling Direct©, the company’s 50-state recycling program, which allows consumers to drop off their consumer electronics products at over 200 permanent drop-off centers in the U.S.

“Samsung has always been known for our top consumer electronics. Now we are utilizing our expertise in cutting-edge technology to make our products greener, increasing their energy efficiency, as well as improving the manufacturing and distribution processes behind them,” says David Steel, SVP of Strategic Marketing, Samsung Electronics America. “Our sustainability commitment is holistic in our 360 degree approach, addressing the impact of our products from creation to discard.”

This 360-degree approach is part of Samsung’s Eco-Management 2013, a company-wide initiative that emphasizes a commitment to environmental stewardship. Eco-Management 2013, launched in July 2009, includes:

• a $4.3 billion pledge to eco-management,

• a  50 percent reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions (normalized by sales) from global manufacturing facilities,

• an 84 million ton reduction of indirect greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing products,

• and a promise to make 100 percent of Samsung products eco-friendly over the next five years.

More information about Samsung’s sustainability initiatives (including an “eco-partner” certification program that’s used throughout the company’s supplier network) is available here.