Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 series in January but what makes this launch particularly noteworthy is the unveiling of its Circular Battery Supply Chain initiative. This program emphasizes sustainability by collecting outdated Galaxy phones and recycling their batteries to generate new power sources for the Galaxy S25 lineup. This closed-loop battery recycling system is a remarkable first for Samsung’s flagship series, with the company now sharing more insights into its operational process.

Samsung's manufacturing facilities in Vietnam manage an impressive annual collection of approximately 200 tons of battery waste. While some countries with advanced recycling capabilities might repurpose these materials for electric vehicle batteries, Vietnam currently lacks such infrastructure. Taking the lead, Samsung has devised a solution to ensure these materials do not go to waste, promoting sustainable practices in the region.

Facilities in Vietnam are key players in generating significant amounts of waste batteries, which include defective units from the manufacturing sequence and batteries retrieved from repaired Galaxy phones returned from the United States. “Our goal was to create a system that would allow us to recycle these resources and reintegrate them into our products,” said Youngmin Kim from the Circular Economy Lab at Samsung.

The recycling journey starts with the collection of old Galaxy devices. Following this, batteries are removed, safely discharged, and shredded into manageable pieces.

“To ensure safety during transport, the batteries were crushed, adhering to stringent environmental regulations,” noted Sangcheul Lee from the Battery Group within Samsung Mobile eXperience. “This involved thorough engagement with various partner companies, navigating complex procedures.”

The shredded batteries are transformed into a fine powder known as "black mass," which is then refined to extract valuable cobalt. Cobalt has a unique trait; it can be recycled indefinitely without degradation. Surprisingly, recycled cobalt and newly mined cobalt are essentially indistinguishable in the manufacturing process.

Extracted cobalt is then utilized to produce cathode materials, which are integral for developing batteries for the Galaxy S25. Cobalt plays a crucial role in maintaining battery stability and ensuring optimal performance. While lithium is primarily responsible for electron transport within the battery, cobalt enhances the mobility of lithium, thereby guaranteeing efficient battery operation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Samsung's Circular Battery Supply Chain not only embodies the commitment to sustainability but also marks a significant achievement for the company as it integrates recycling processes into its production line. The initiative showcases how technology companies can innovate for a greener future. Moreover, as the smartphone industry gradually gravitates toward more sustainable practices, Samsung's efforts align with a broader movement to promote ecological responsibility in technology manufacturing.