LG beats 2030 sustainability targets early as emissions drop, recycling hits 97.3%

The South Korean technology giant reported that Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions across its global operations declined to 842,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2025, below its 2030 target of 878,000 tons. The company attributed the progress to energy-efficient technologies and increased use of renewable electricity.

LG is targeting a 54.6% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared with 2017 levels.

Closing carbon gap:

LG also surpassed its product-related emissions target, cutting carbon emissions per unit during the use phase of seven major product categories by 22.5% in 2025 compared with 2020.

The reduction exceeds its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated goal of achieving a 20% cut by 2030, making LG the first South Korean home appliance manufacturer to receive SBTi validation for such a target.

The company also advanced its circular economy efforts, achieving a 97.3% waste recycling rate across domestic and overseas sites, above its 95% target for 2030.

LG maintained Zero Waste to Landfill certification across all of its domestic operations, with its five production sites receiving the highest Platinum rating. It also collected 640,000 tons of used electronics from 56 countries in 2025, bringing total e-waste recovery since 2006 to more than 5.65 million tons.

Making technology more inclusive:

Beyond environmental goals, LG highlighted efforts to expand access to its products and services through initiatives such as the LG Comfort Kit, accessible kiosks with sign-language avatars, and LG Easy TV designed for senior users.

The company has also expanded inclusive customer services, including sign-language consultations for people with hearing impairments and dedicated support for older customers.

AI governance enters ESG strategy:

LG introduced a new Responsible AI section in its sustainability report, outlining its AI Ethics Principles and governance framework as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into its products and operations.

The company said it will continue strengthening AI governance to ensure accountability and transparency throughout AI development and deployment.

Global ESG recognition:

LG’s sustainability progress has been recognized by major ESG ratings agencies. The company has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index for 14 consecutive years and ranked among the top 1% of companies in S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the third straight year.

LG also improved its MSCI ESG rating to “AA” and secured a second consecutive Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of companies in its industry category.