Samsung moves towards a sustainable workplace by eliminating paper use 

Samsung is continuing to advance a new environmental management strategy that was introduced in September 2022 to advocate a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to business. Their latest move? Pioneering a “paperless office” within the global tech conglomerate.

This was announced by Han Jong-Hee, Co-Vice Chair and Head of Samsung Electronics’ Device Experience Division, who pushed his point for paper conservation with statistics.

“On any given day, our company consumes approximately 130,000 sheets of photocopy paper. By curtailing this, we could preserve 60 trees daily,” Han pointed out, showing the possible long-term impact of paper usage within the organisation. “That’s a non-trivial figure, accumulating to a staggering 20,000 trees saved annually.”

This move towards a paperless environment is one that Han is hoping will kickstart an era of improved work culture within Samsung, beginning with taking out entrenched practices to transition towards digital transformation within the office. 

 “Despite the pervasiveness of digitisation in most of our operations, we find ourselves clinging to old habits, printing meeting materials and physically checking reports during face-to-face meetings,” said Han, who is looking to personally set an example to abstain from paper-based reports and meetings unless necessary.

READ MORE: Samsung Electronics offers four-day workweek option for some employees

Han is also looking to push concerted efforts underway to slash single-use items within the office, such as introducing reusable cups in canteens and cafes, as paper is a common single-use item that is most used within the company. 

Urging his fellow executives and leaders to support the paperless initiative, Han concluded, “I implore everyone in a leadership role to champion this cause and set a precedent,” reported the Dong-A Ilbo.