Out of all the plastic ever produced, approximately two-thirdsAccording to a 2020 study of the European Parliament, approximately 4% of it has entered the natural environment. Plastics can then degrade, flow into rivers, and enter the environment. marine food webs. Scientists have already found solutions to remove microplastics from the environment (like adhesive). BacteriaOr a magnetic liquid), and some businesses are innovating to stop the flow from the start.
How two companies from very different backgrounds came together to create microplastics
Samsung, maker of smartphones, laptops, refrigerators, and other products, announced at the Consumer Technology Association conference that it will be launching a new range of phones, refrigerators, and other products. List of sustainability initiativesfor its home appliances. Patagonia, an outdoor clothing retailer was also involved in the initiative. It may seem odd to be collaborating with Patagonia, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Samsung Electronics America Mark Newton said to TriplePundit. However, when it comes time to tackle microplastics, he believes it makes perfect financial sense.
Working together and big thinking are required for big issues like the pollution of microplastics. Newton, who has been working in corporate sustainability for several decades, believes that Samsung’s new collaboration has all the ingredients to success (and not all working relationships do). This includes shared values, clear objectives, and adequate funds.
What is it like to create a corporate partnership that has a positive impact on the environment?
Newton pointed out that both Samsung and Patagonia are present at the table to discuss the issue. Patagonia has been working with Samsung and Patagonia on the issue of plastic-based materials for some time. Newton said that they are acutely aware that their products are shedding and that they are trying to minimize that. The company wants to be part the larger solution to microplastics and minimize its own contribution. Patagonia has conducted ResearchSamsung has updated its washing machine design to include information about textile design and how fabrics are broken down. Newton said that the retailer is aware it can make a greater impact on fiber shedding when it has a tech company by its side.
Patagonia chose to work with Samsung because the electronics company has already made sustainable investments in washing machines. Features such as effective Cold washesWash-customizing artificial intelligenceAlready reduce the wear and tear of fabrics.
Newton said that collaborations with specificity are a plus. According to Newton, clear goals are essential for a successful collaboration. Even if the project results in a minor adjustment to multinational washing machines, it can make a huge difference. Newton stated that Samsung’s scale is one of the most important aspects. The small things we do can be amplified across our product line, and then across product sales. This allows us to make relatively small everyday changes that have big impacts. Samsung was conscious of the importance of the project to the company’s bigger goals of climate mitigation and building a circular economy. It also needed to be connected to the next generation of customers. Newton stated that staying focused on these larger goals helps keep activities organized.
Time, commitment, and investments
Newton also said that healthy collaboration requires sufficient resources. To be able to put in the necessary time and money to support a sustainability initiative, you must first understand the basics. Business case for doing so. Externalities such the impact of mining Local water systemsMicroplastics and their impact on the environment ocean lifeThese externalities are often overlooked when pricing, designing, and manufacturing a product. Newton said that if we bring these externalities into the decision making process, we will make better decisions and stay in business longer.
Working together, even though it’s serious, doesn’t have be somber. Newton was thrilled when he learned that his team was going with Patagonia. He said he knew what value they would bring to the table and that he expected the collaboration to be fun.
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