2023-05-08 15:23:50
In 2022, Samsung Electronics announced its environmental strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
As part of these sustainability efforts, Samsung has expanded the use of recycled materials in plastic parts for its products. By 2030, Samsung aims to incorporate 50% recycled materials into these parts, and by 2050, it aims to use 100% recycled materials in all parts made from plastics.
The SolarCell remote control for Samsung Smart TVs exemplifies the company’s commitment to the environment, and Samsung Newsroom will explore how this eco-conscious product has progressed since its initial launch in 2021, with insights from JongKeun Lee of the H/W Platform Lab and HyunJoo Kim from Mecha Solution Lab.
From: JongKeun Lee at H/W Platform Lab and HyunJoo Kim at Mecha Solution Lab
Eliminating the need for disposable batteries
Samsung Electronics developed SolarCell to combat the environmental impact of disposing of used batteries. It’s the industry’s first rechargeable remote with a solar panel that can be charged by sunlight or indoor lighting. The remote can also be charged with a USB-C cable so consumers have multiple ways to ensure battery life.
“SolarCell’s level of carbon emissions from production to disposal is approximately one-third that of manufacturing disposable batteries.1”, said JongKeun Lee of H/W Platform Lab. “By eliminating the need for disposable batteries, not only are fewer resources consumed, but carbon emissions are reduced by manufacturing fewer batteries over time.”
Another notable feature is its low power consumption. SolarCell is designed to run on about 10% of the energy that typical remotes use. “Samsung has made significant progress in drastically eliminating unnecessary outputs and operations, contributing to huge energy savings,” added Lee.
SolarCell recycles over six tons of waste
24% of the plastics used in SolarCell come from recycled materials. This means that more than six tonnes of waste are recycled to produce 10 million remote controls annually, equivalent to an approximate 18% reduction in carbon emissions compared to production from conventional materials.
This was no simple undertaking. It takes time and effort to develop and apply alternative materials made from significantly recycled waste.
“With growing concerns about trash ending up in the ocean, we carefully considered many solutions. We chose to use recycled plastics from fishing nets in 20% of the SolarCell 2023 structure,” said HyunJoo Kim of Mecha Solution Lab. “In the future, we intend to promote the use of these resources and use recycled plastics more aggressively.”
“This year, as mentioned earlier, we started using recycled plastics from discarded fishing nets in the environment. While they are expensive and difficult to process, the end result is superior quality materials that contribute to our daily sustainability mission,” added Kim. “The process is quite extensive, from separating the waste to cleaning, removing toxic substances and improving the properties of the materials.”
In recognition of this product’s eco-friendly design, Time Magazine selected SolarCell as one of the “Best Inventions of 2022” for the publication.
All Samsung 2023 Smart TVs are equipped with SolarCell 2023. Samsung’s goal is to integrate more eco-conscious products and processes into a wider range of models across all regions and to empower consumers to live a more sustainable lifestyle. In addition, Samsung has reduced the size of the remote by 25%. This means that the product uses less plastic and improves its usability.
“As SolarCell has gotten smaller, it requires less plastic to manufacture and is an ideal size for consumers’ hands, making it a better product in every way,” explained Lee.
Pursuing an eco-conscious strategy with a streamlined approach
So what are Samsung’s next steps to increase SolarCell’s sustainability?
“We are following the concept of light, thin and small to continue the reduced use of plastic,” said Kim.
“We’re committed to creating an easy-to-use remote that consumes fewer resources and less energy,” said Lee. “Samsung’s ultimate goal is to empower users to control products with minimal effort while reducing material and energy use. This could mean that one day we will get rid of the remote entirely. SolarCell is a bold step towards everyday sustainability, and we look forward to showing everyone what’s next.”
SolarCell’s ambitious journey to contribute to a more eco-conscious lifestyle is just beginning.
1 Considering that most TVs are used for seven years and an AA battery for their remote controls is replaced once a year, the number of batteries discarded for a TV will be 14 every seven years. That means charging and using the SolarCell Remote for seven years reduces carbon emissions by a third compared to using AA batteries.
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