Samsung has taken a major step toward sustainability with its Circular Battery Supply Chain, a system designed to recover and reuse key materials from used Samsung smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the first flagship device to integrate this closed-loop recycling process. Each year, around 200 tons of waste battery material is collected at Samsung’s Vietnam production facilities. Due to a lack of recycling infrastructure in the region, many of these materials previously went to waste. Samsung has now developed a system to extract and reuse high-purity cobalt from used batteries, ensuring these resources are reintegrated into new devices.
A fully closed-loop recycling process
For the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Samsung sourced recycled cobalt externally. With the Samsung Galaxy S25, the company implemented a fully closed-loop system that extracts cobalt directly from discarded Samsung batteries. The collected batteries are processed into high-purity cobalt and reintegrated into the battery production line.
The role of cobalt in battery performance
Cobalt is essential for lithium-ion batteries, ensuring stability and performance. Unlike other materials, cobalt does not degrade with use and can be recycled indefinitely. Half of the cobalt used in the Samsung Galaxy S25 batteries now comes from recycled sources, aligning with Samsung’s commitment to sustainability.
Overcoming regulatory challenges
Establishing the Circular Battery Supply Chain was not without challenges. Samsung had to meet stringent safety and environmental regulations while collaborating with multiple partners. The batteries had to be crushed to prevent fire hazards, and Samsung underwent extensive certification processes to comply with global standards.
Expanding the circular economy vision
The Circular Battery Supply Chain was recently showcased at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona. Samsung has also expanded its circular economy efforts by repurposing wafer trays from semiconductor manufacturing into plastic components for the Samsung Galaxy S25. Looking ahead, Samsung plans to include lithium and other materials in its recycling efforts, further reducing environmental impact.
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