March 16, 2025 – LOTTE Chemical and Samsung Electronics Pioneer Recycling Innovation in Galaxy S25 Smartphone
In a landmark collaboration, LOTTE Chemical and Samsung Electronics have announced a joint venture to incorporate recycled plastic materials into Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S25, further cementing their partnership in the realm of resource circulation.
Leveraging its expertise in material recycling, LOTTE Chemical has repurposed discarded trays from Samsung’s Device Solutions (DS) division, which were previously used for semiconductor wafer transportation. Through advanced processing techniques, these trays have been transformed into high-quality polycarbonate (PC) materials. Notably, these recycled PC materials are now integral components in the Galaxy S25, including the SIM card tray, side buttons, and volume keys, marking a significant step towards efficient resource reuse.
LOTTE Chemical’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond this achievement. According to the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, the company has also tackled the issue of marine pollution by innovatively recycling discarded fishing nets. Through a composite process, these nets are converted into polyamide (PA) materials, which are utilized in the speaker modules and other internal components of the Samsung S25 smartphone. This initiative not only alleviates pressure on marine ecosystems but also introduces a more eco-friendly material option for the smartphone industry.
By adopting LOTTE Chemical’s recycled materials, Samsung Electronics has not only enhanced the environmental profile of its products but also established an internal circular economy model, maximizing resource utilization. The Galaxy S25 series smartphones, while maintaining exceptional performance, have set a new industry benchmark in environmental protection, demonstrating Samsung’s sustainable development strategy in smartphone manufacturing.
Furthermore, LOTTE Chemical’s collaborations with Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have garnered considerable attention. Earlier this year, the company proposed the use of recyclable PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) materials in components such as the taillight lenses of Kia’s EV3 experimental model. Additionally, in partnership with Hyundai, Kia, and R&D firm Ryeong-A Hi-Tech, LOTTE Chemical developed high-content PC/PET (polycarbonate/polyethylene terephthalate) eco-friendly materials to comply with the European Union’s stringent End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) directive.
The collaborations between LOTTE Chemical, Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and Kia Motors not only drive the sustainable development of the smartphone and automotive industries but also provide a model for recycling and material innovation across the electronics sector. As the circular economy model emerges as a key trend in the smartphone industry, LOTTE Chemical remains committed to leveraging its technological advantages, contributing further technological innovations to the cause of environmental protection.