Samsung Electronics today announced that its Galaxy Upcycling at Home program is ‘highly commended’ for the Circular Transition Award at this year’s Reuters Responsible Business Awards.

Since 2009, the Reuters Responsible Business Awards celebrates businesses that showcase world-class sustainability strategies and deliver positive impacts on society and the environment. The Circular Transition Award recognizes innovations that help the world’s transition to a more circular economy.

Honored at a virtual award ceremony, Galaxy Upcycling at Home is an initiative that gives new life to older Galaxy smartphones by repurposing them into IoT (Internet of Things) devices with a simple software update. Through the SmartThings app, users can repurpose unused smartphones into convenient smart home devices such as a childcare monitor or a pet care solution.

Judges noted that Samsung’s upcycling solution is “A simple initiative with a basic idea, which helps shift the mindset on the value of old phones. A genuine closed loop versus recycling of e-waste with an innovative twist.”

This innovative program exemplifies Samsung’s global efforts to transition to a circular economy through greater use of sustainable materials, reusing resources and extending product longevity with added value and alternative purposes. Embodying Samsung’s determination to create a better world through promoting more sustainable production practices and consumer behaviors, Galaxy Upcycling at Home enables users around the world to make a positive impact and help build a better future for generations to come.

“Samsung is dedicated to finding new, innovative ways to minimize global e-waste and we’re proud to be recognized for our leadership in integrating sustainable practices into our product lifecycle,” said Sung-Koo Kim, VP of the Sustainability Management Office, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “We invite the larger Galaxy community to join us in our mission to breathe new life into unused devices and increase reuse habits, and we hope our efforts will serve as a blueprint for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

Galaxy Upcycling at Home is a part of Samsung’s continued commitment to using the power of technology to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Galaxy Upcycling at Home specifically focuses on Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production – by minimizing environmental impact and promoting eco-conscious habits. The program also supports Galaxy for the Planet, Samsung’s recently announced sustainability platform for its Mobile Communications Business.