Samsung

Introduction

SAMSUNG was founded in 1938 by Lee Byung-chul in Suwon, South Korea, initially as a trading company. Over the years, it diversified into various industries, including textiles, food processing, and retail, before venturing into the electronics sector in the late 1960s. The brand has since evolved into one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world. SAMSUNG's commitment to innovation and quality has played a significant role in shaping its identity, helping it maintain a leading position within the competitive tech landscape.

The philosophy of SAMSUNG centers around the idea of "Inspire the World, Create the Future." This reflects a commitment to enhancing the lives of people through technology, focusing not only on product innovation but also on improving sustainability and corporate responsibility. The brand values collaboration, effort, and diversity, striving to bring together talents from various backgrounds to create impactful solutions. This inclusive approach has fueled SAMSUNG’s drive for continuous improvement and the development of cutting-edge technologies that resonate with consumers globally.

What makes SAMSUNG special is its ability to consistently deliver high-quality, technologically advanced products across a wide range of categories. From smartphones to home appliances, the brand has established a reputation for reliability and performance. SAMSUNG's investment in research and development is noteworthy, with a focus on integrating pioneering technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things into their products. This strategic direction not only enhances user experiences but also positions SAMSUNG as a leader in the technology sector.

Signature Products

SAMSUNG's diverse product lineup showcases its commitment to innovation and consumer needs, helping define the brand's identity in the marketplace.

• Galaxy S Series : Premium smartphones known for their cutting-edge cameras, displays, and performance.
• Galaxy Note Series : Flagship devices that blend powerful hardware with productivity features like the S Pen.
• QLED TVs : Advanced television technology offering stunning picture quality and vibrant colors.
• Samsung Appliances : A range of smart home appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines, designed for efficiency and convenience.
• Galaxy Buds : Wireless earbuds that provide high-quality sound and seamless integration with other devices.

Materials and Ingredients Used by SAMSUNG

• Cobalt : Cobalt is a metallic element that is commonly used in the production of rechargeable batteries. Samsung uses cobalt in lithium-ion batteries for their smartphones and other electronic devices due to its ability to enhance battery capacity and stability, which is essential for providing longer usage times and faster charging capabilities.
• Steel : Steel is a strong and durable alloy made primarily from iron and carbon. Samsung utilizes steel in the frames and chassis of various products, including appliances and mobile devices, to ensure structural integrity and longevity, providing a premium feel and reliability in everyday use.
• Aluminum : Aluminum is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal that is often used in electronics for its excellent thermal conductivity. Samsung employs aluminum in the housing of some devices, such as laptops and smartphones, to reduce weight while maintaining durability and enhancing aesthetic appeal through sleek designs.
• Glass : Glass is a transparent material primarily made from silica, used extensively in display technology. Samsung incorporates glass in smartphones and tablets to create high-quality screens that offer vibrant colors and sharp images, providing users with an immersive visual experience.
• Silicone : Silicone is a synthetic rubber-like material known for its flexibility and durability. Samsung uses silicone in various applications, such as protective cases and seals, to provide shock absorption and water resistance, enhancing the overall usability and longevity of their devices.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From SAMSUNG

The following issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration.

Child Labor:

The issue of child labor is particularly concerning in cobalt mining. Many cobalt mines, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), employ children to extract cobalt from dangerous and harsh conditions. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has documented thousands of children working in these mines, often handling toxic and heavy materials without protective gear, which poses severe health risks. Efforts to trace and mitigate child labor are often thwarted by complex, opaque supply chains.

Environmental Degradation:

Both cobalt and tin mining have severe environmental impacts due to deforestation for mining sites and improper waste disposal methods. For example, illegal tin mining in Indonesia has led to forests being cleared, destroying local ecosystems. Additionally, cobalt mining can result in toxic waste that contaminates local water supplies, harming both ecosystems and local communities reliant on these water sources.

Health Risks to Workers:

The mining and processing of materials such as cobalt and rare earth elements pose significant health risks to workers. In cobalt mines, lack of protective gear exposes workers to hazardous substances and physical harms. Rare earth elements extraction produces toxic by-products like radioactive waste, leading to chronic health issues for miners and surrounding communities when not managed properly.

CO2 Emissions:

Steel and aluminum production contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions. The process of smelting and refining these metals is highly energy-intensive. For example, producing one ton of steel generates nearly two tons of CO2 on average. Therefore, the high demand for these metals in electronics manufacturing greatly impacts the global carbon footprint, contributing to climate change.

Non-Biodegradable Waste:

The use of materials like plastic and silicone in production creates a significant environmental burden due to their non-biodegradable nature. Plastic waste accumulates in landfills and oceans, causing long-term environmental problems. Microplastics have been found in water sources, soil, and even air, affecting wildlife and potentially human health.

Water Depletion:

Lithium and paper production both involve high water consumption. Lithium extraction from salt flats often depletes local water levels, affecting both the ecosystem and local agriculture. Similarly, the paper industry uses substantial amounts of water, and the pollutants from pulp mills can contaminate local water bodies, negatively impacting aquatic life and local communities.

Hazardous Waste:

Rare earth elements and aluminum mining produce hazardous waste that is often improperly managed. For instance, the wastewater from rare earth elements extraction contains toxic substances that can seep into groundwater, affecting both environmental and human health. Similarly, aluminum refining produces red mud, a toxic by-product that, if not stored properly, poses a long-term environmental threat.

Deforestation:

The extraction of resources such as tin, paper, and aluminum often involves significant deforestation. For example, paper production requires trees, leading to deforestation unless sourced from sustainable forestry practices. The removal of forests not only affects biodiversity but also contributes to climate change by reducing carbon sequestration capacity.

High Energy Consumption:

Materials like steel, aluminum, and glass require large amounts of energy to produce, primarily through processes powered by fossil fuels. Aluminum production is particularly energy-intensive, consuming up to 14,000 kWh per ton. This reliance on high energy consumption contributes to the overall carbon footprint of these materials and exacerbates global warming.

Illegal Mining Operations:

Tin and cobalt mining often occur in regions where regulations are lax, leading to illegal mining operations. These unregulated activities are not only environmentally damaging but also socially problematic, as they often involve human rights violations and fund armed conflicts. For instance, parts of the DRC suffer from violent conflicts funded by the illegal cobalt trade.