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TCL's Commitment to ESG and Sustainable Practices

In recent discussions, TCL's founder and chairman, Li Dongsheng, emphasized the company's proactive approach to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into its global operations. Through participation in the United Nations Global Compact's "ESG+20 Sustainability Leaders" interview series, Li shared valuable insights on how TCL is dedicated to creating a positive impact across its value chain.

ESG Implementation at TCL

TCL is committed to integrating sustainability into its operations by focusing on ecological transformation and carbon reduction. The significant energy consumption associated with manufacturing presents both a challenge and an opportunity for innovation. For instance, TCL CSOT has implemented various energy-saving measures, achieving notable reductions in electricity usage—220,000 MWh saved in 2024 alone.

A landmark initiative includes the establishment of a new OLED production line that aims to drastically lower energy consumption compared to traditional evaporation processes, effectively contributing to reduced carbon emissions. In line with these efforts, TCL's FreshIN air conditioning product has received accolades for its energy-efficient design, underscoring the company's commitment to sustainable product development.

Circular Economy and Community Support

Li also pointed out TCL's role as a leader within its industry, encouraging partners to adopt ESG principles across the value chain. The company actively sets standards for suppliers, promoting labor rights and operational compliance to ensure responsible practices. This initiative is part of TCL's broader strategy, aimed at fostering significant positive outcomes for both local economies and communities.

In recent expansions—from acquiring Thomson's color television business to establishing manufacturing bases in Mexico and Vietnam—TCL continues to embed sustainability at the core of its operations. This strategic expansion is coupled with a firm commitment to developing local capabilities, ensuring mutual benefits for economies, communities, and employees.

Investing in Technology and Research

With a consistent investment of approximately 12 billion RMB (around 1.74 billion USD) in research and development annually, TCL has secured over 124,000 patents. By integrating advanced AI models into their smart manufacturing systems, the company has improved productivity and reduced R&D cycles, generating valuable economic benefits.

Li underscored the importance of social responsibility and consumer trust, stating that adhering to ESG standards is essential for building a reputable brand. This approach not only enhances TCL's competitiveness but also drives its commitment to social accountability through annual ESG reporting.

Strategic Global Partnerships

As a testament to its dedication to social and environmental standards, TCL became a global Olympic and Paralympic partner in 2025, which significantly boosted its market visibility. Following this partnership, TCL witnessed a 30% growth in sales across the European market, exemplifying the synergy between business performance and social value creation.

Officially joining the UN Global Compact in July 2024 marked another milestone for TCL, solidifying its commitment to the organization's ten principles related to human rights, labor practices, environmental stewardship, and anti-corruption efforts. The company continuously strives to align its operations with sustainable development goals (SDGs), demonstrating a proactive mindset towards global partnerships.

Conclusion

TCL's persistent focus on ESG criteria serves as a model for corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices. From reducing energy consumption to fostering transparent supply chains and delivering innovative solutions, TCL is setting new standards in the tech industry for ethical and sustainable growth. As the company continues to navigate regulatory environments and technological advancements, its commitment to creating a positive impact remains unwavering, leading the way for others in the global market to follow suit.