LG Electronics has reported that it achieved its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target five years ahead of schedule, according to its newly released 2025–2026 Sustainability Report. The company also exceeded its waste recycling goals while expanding accessibility features and strengthening governance around artificial intelligence.
The report outlines LG’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) progress, highlighting reductions in operational emissions, increased e-waste recovery, and new initiatives aimed at making products and services more accessible.
LG surpasses 2030 emissions target ahead of schedule
LG reported that its combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions reached 842,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂eq) in 2025, below its 2030 target of 878,000 tCO₂eq.
The reduction reflects the company’s efforts to improve energy efficiency across its operations while increasing its use of renewable electricity. Overall, LG is working toward reducing operational emissions by 54.6% from 2017 levels by 2030.
The company also exceeded its product-use emissions goal. Carbon emissions generated during the use phase of seven major product categories fell by 22.5% compared to 2020, surpassing its original target of a 20% reduction by 2030.
LG noted that this target had previously been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), making it the first South Korean home appliance manufacturer to receive validation for this category.
Recycling and circular economy efforts continue to expand
Beyond emissions, LG reported further progress in resource circularity. In 2025, the company achieved a 97.3% waste recycling rate across its global operations, surpassing its 2030 target of 95%.
LG also said all five of its domestic production sites maintained Platinum Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) certification. During 2025, the company collected more than 640,000 tons of used electronics across 56 countries, bringing its cumulative global e-waste recovery to more than 5.65 million tons since 2006.
According to LG, these initiatives form part of its broader strategy to reduce environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.
Accessibility remains a key product focus
LG also highlighted new accessibility initiatives aimed at making its products easier to use for a wider range of consumers.
Among the technologies featured in the report are LG Comfort Kit, which enhances appliance usability for people of different ages and abilities, Braille labels and tactile guides on selected products, service kiosks equipped with sign-language avatars, LG Easy TV for older users, and dedicated customer support services for seniors and people with hearing impairments.
According to LG, these initiatives support its long-term goal of making technology more accessible and inclusive for all users.
LG strengthens AI governance and corporate oversight
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into consumer electronics, LG has introduced a dedicated Responsible AI section in its sustainability report for the first time.
The new section outlines the company’s AI ethics principles and governance framework, focusing on accountability, transparency, and responsible AI deployment across products and services.
LG also announced governance changes aimed at improving corporate oversight, including separating the roles of chief executive officer and board chairperson. Earlier this year, the company appointed an independent director as chair of its board.
ESG recognition continues
LG Electronics said its sustainability efforts continue to receive recognition from global ESG rating organizations.
Among its recent achievements are inclusion in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index for the 14th consecutive year, a Top 1% ranking in S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) for the third straight year, an upgraded AA rating from MSCI, and a second consecutive Platinum rating from EcoVadis.
The company has published annual sustainability reports since 2006, with its full 2025–2026 Sustainability Report now available on LG’s official website.
