At CES 2026, Company Highlights Measurable Progress, Bold 2030 Targets, Cross-sector Collaboration
At CE 2026, LG Electronics reaffirmed its global circularity goals, outlining measurable progress and underscoring its commitment to embedding circular economy principles across the entire product lifecycle. Supporting its “Better Life for All” ESG vision, LG is focusing on innovation, partnerships and consumer engagement to help reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value to customers and society.
LG’s circularity mission was spotlighted today at a CES circularity session that explored the future of sustainable design, responsible resource use and cross-industry collaboration. The lively panel discussion reflected LG’s belief that meaningful progress toward a circular economy requires coordinated action across technology, policy, business and consumer behavior.
“Circularity is not a single initiative; it’s a system-wide transformation,” said LG Electronics USA Senior Vice President John I. Taylor, reinforcing the company’s role as a catalyst for change in building a more sustainable, circular future. “Through innovation, collaboration and transparent goals, LG is committed to the transition to a circular economy while delivering on our ESG commitments and our Better Life for All vision.”
Addressing Barriers to Circularity
While momentum around circularity is accelerating globally, LG recognizes that challenges remain. Among the most significant barriers is cost. Depending on material type, recycled or next-generation materials are typically 10-20 percent more expensive than conventional alternatives, impacting competitiveness. LG is investing in technology development and scaling up to help close this gap and make sustainable choices more accessible.
These commitments are supported by a comprehensive resource circulation system spanning four stages—Production, Use, Distribution and Disposal—each delivering tangible result:
- Production: Scaling Recycled and Eco-Friendly Materials. In 2024, LG used 74,079 tons of recycled plastics, representing a 36 percent year-over-year increase. To achieve its 2030 target, the company is expanding the use of recycled plastics to include exterior product components, supported by material innovation and quality assurance.
LG is also accelerating the adoption of pulp mold packaging to replace conventional expanded polystyrene. An industry-first pulp mold technology developed by LG can withstand loads exceeding 44 pounds and is now used as cushioning for medium-sized products such as air purifiers and soundbars, reducing plastic consumption while maintaining product protection. - Use: Extending Product Lifespan Through New Business Models. LG’s growing subscription business in South Korea is redefining product use by combining convenience with sustainability. Beyond rental, professional care managers provide regular maintenance, cleaning and replacement of consumable parts, extending products’ lifespan.
Complementing this approach, LG’s “ThinQ UP” appliances, which allow customers to add new features via software updates after purchase, have recorded more than 20 million cumulative global upgrade actions. This innovation reduces premature replacement, enhances customer satisfaction and maximizes product value over time.
Explore the Business Insights Journal for up-to-date strategies and industry breakthroughs!
