Samsung makes Galaxy S20+ cases from recycled plastic bottles

Samsung partners with Danish textile brand Kvadrat to create Samsung’s latest accessories for the Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy Watch Active2, and it follows the sustainable practice of upcycling.

Upcycling is the process of transforming end-of-life products into new material. The Kvadrat brand, which acquired the European Union’s Ecolabel certification, follows the sustainable practice of upcycling by transforming end-of-life plastic bottles into recycled polyester yarns.

The Galaxy S20+ phone case line is made up of re-purposed 500ml plastic bottles that are melted and reformulated into the yarns. With this yarn-making process, one plastic bottle can be repurposed to produce 2 Galaxy S20+ phone cases.

The process helps to reduce the number of plastic bottles found in landfills, and are produced in a way that reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during manufacturing.

Below is a very handy infographic made by Samsung showing the step-by-step process, from plastic bottle to phone case:

In addition to the Galaxy S20+ cases, Samsung will also be releasing straps for the Galaxy Watch Active2 made out of Kvadrat textiles and other sustainable materials.

Reportedly, there are currently a million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute, and even now there is a huge problem with the pollution footprint of drinks firms.

Last year, Samsung announced a partnership with the UN Development Programme to support the Sustainable Development Goals, which addresses the fight for climate action.

Along with this initiative, Samsung also states in their press release:

Samsung is looking to not only promote sustainable product cycles but also to provide users with more options than ever when looking to make eco-friendly choices for the future.

The Kvadrdat cover for Galaxy S20+ is available in Malaysia with a retail price of RM149, in grey, green and red colour.