Since the end of 2021, LG Electronics has been implementing resource circulation programs in a total of 52 countries worldwide as part of its extensive efforts to combat greenhouse gas emissions. At the Lg Recycling Center in South Korea, which commenced operations in 2001, raw materials are harvested from disposed-of home appliances, meticulously sorted and processed before being made into ‘fresh’ eco-responsible appliance components.
The program includes four steps. The first is Collection: used appliances such as refrigerators, washers and air conditioners are collected and transported to the center, then the second step starts, Disassemble and Crush: the appliances are taken apart, and the components are crushed to achieve a consistent size.
Sorting and Processing is the third part of the program: after iron, aluminum, copper and plastic materials have been sorted, the plastics are put through an additional process where they are made into pellets; a convenient and renewable resource for the manufacturing of plastic parts and goods. Finally, the company organizes the Rebirth: The pellets are melted and transformed into plastic parts for use in the production of new LG home appliances.
In addition, Lg plans to reach a cumulative total of 600,000 tons of recycled plastics (for producing home appliance components) by the beginning of the next decade. The ambitious target is set out in the company’s ‘Better Life Plan 2030,’ and also forms part of LG’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality.