Samsung advances green efforts with recycled cobalt in Galaxy S25 batteries

Samsung announced that the Galaxy S25 phones are taking another step towards reducing electronics' environmental impact. This series incorporates 50% recycled cobalt sourced from previously used Galaxy batteries in its lithium-ion batteries, unlike the Galaxy S24 which used material purchased from recycling companies.

The company established a Circular Battery Supply Chain that employs a multi-phase method to extract cobalt from aged batteries for use in the Galaxy S25 flagships.

The process begins by collecting Galaxy smartphones, either through trade-in programs or from those special containers for batteries that some businesses have. They are shredded into a so-called "black mass," and then the cobalt is extracted for further processing.

Following this, the material is utilized to create cathode components, serving to improve thermal stability and decrease the likelihood of overheating. The last step involves repacking the battery, with Samsung highlighting that cobalt constitutes 25% of the battery's weight, which indicates that 12.5% of the entire cell is derived from recycled materials.

Cobalt is essential for smartphone batteries, yet it has notable drawbacks, such as high costs and scarcity. Additionally, significant ethical concerns related to mining practices arise. Fortunately, Samsung has decreased its reliance on newly mined cobalt.