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LG Electronics' Ambitious Circularity Initiatives at CES 2026

At CES 2026, LG Electronics reaffirmed its commitment to a circular economy, presenting its clear vision of a sustainable future under its slogan 'Better Life for All'. The company is focusing on integrating circular economy principles throughout the entire product lifecycle, showcasing measurable progress and setting bold targets for 2030. This initiative aligns with the company's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and engaging consumers in reducing environmental impact.

The Drive for Circularity: Insights from CES

during a dedicated circularity session at CES, LG's commitment to sustainability was brought into focus. Senior Vice President John I. Taylor emphasized that achieving a circular economy is not merely a project but calls for a systemic transformation across various sectors, including technology, policy, business, and consumer behavior. The company views circularity as a collaborative effort that requires contributions from all stakeholders.

Taylor stated, "Circularity is not a single initiative; it’s a system-wide transformation." This belief underscores LG's proactive stance in driving change toward a more sustainable future while adhering to its core ESG commitments.

Overcoming Challenges Towards Circularity

Despite the positive momentum surrounding circularity, LG acknowledges existing obstacles that impede progress, particularly regarding the cost of sustainable materials. It notes that recycled or next-generation materials often present a price premium of 10-20% over traditional options, affecting competitiveness. To address this, LG is investing heavily in technological advancement to make sustainable alternatives more accessible and cost-effective.

Additionally, consumer awareness plays a pivotal role in this transition. The company is enhancing educational efforts to engage customers in initiatives like product and packaging returns, ensuring customers understand the significance of responsible recycling.

Setting Clear Goals for 2030

LG set forth ambitious objectives to push its circularity agenda forward by 2030. The company plans to utilize 600,000 tons of recycled plastics within its products, building from a robust 188,000 tons already achieved by 2024. LG aims to globally collect 8 million tons of waste, having already surpassed 5.01 million tons cumulatively collected since 2006.

Four Stages of Resource Circulation

To fulfill its commitments, LG has established a comprehensive resource circulation system comprising four stages:

1. Production: The company is ramping up the use of recycled and eco-friendly materials. For instance, in 2024, LG increased its utilization of recycled plastics to 74,079 tons, a 36% year-on-year rise. The company is also innovating packaging by implementing pulp mold technology, which offers substantial durability while reducing plastic use.

2. Use: New business models like subscription services are reshaping product usage, ensuring longevity through regular maintenance and cleaning. LG's innovative appliances, which can be upgraded with new features, aim to decrease premature replacements and enhance customer experience.

3. Distribution: In terms of sustainability in logistics, LG is transitioning to plastic-free packaging alternatives, enhancing recyclability by shifting to pulp and cardboard materials. It is also steering towards closed-loop recycling solutions in its distribution network, minimizing waste.

4. Disposal: The company’s global electronic waste initiatives continue to expand, with collection campaigns across 56 countries that retrieved 532,630 tons of electronic waste in 2024 alone. Efforts such as the “Battery Turn” campaign focus on recovering valuable materials from used batteries, demonstrating LG’s commitment to responsible disposal practices.

The Future of Sustainability

Taylor believes that the establishment of a circular economy is critical for preserving resources and fostering sustainable growth. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, LG's Circularity Team is dedicated to developing new materials, advancing collection campaigns, and pioneering systems tailored to material-specific circularity.

As LG Electronics embarks on this transformative journey, it positions itself not only as a leader in technology but also as a key player forging a healthier planet. By combining cutting-edge innovation with commitment to sustainability, LG pioneers a future that aligns profit with purpose within the framework of a circular economy.

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