Samsung has issued a press statement responding to my story that it had been caught misrepresenting its eco credentials to South African consumers.

Samsung remains committed to environment-friendly practices

26 March 2010

Samsung Electronics South Africa (Pty) Ltd  has noted the recent ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA) and believes that the ASA has adopted a different interpretation to what was intended.

Samsung denies attempting to mislead consumers on its environmental credentials. The awards highlighted in the brochure in question were awarded to Samsung as an organisation and not to one individual division. It serves as a global statement and recognition of  Samsung’s commitment to innovation and design of environmentally friendly products.

Samsung believes the messages communicated are clear and consistent and as an organisation does not feel that it is misleading in any way. Herman Manson, in a recent article on the issue in Bizcommunity correctly noted that the eco-labels in question were awarded to a limited number of Samsung home appliances.

Samsung will ensure to be mindful of the interpretation of the ASA when devising future campaigns.

Samsung Electronics makes a consistent effort to develop environment-friendly products that minimise the negative impacts on the environment in every aspect of its products, from raw material procurement, production, transportation, usage and final disposal. Concerns for the environment are at the core of each product development. Samsung’s environment-friendly technologies and recycling programmes have received global approval, receiving well-known awards and recognitions worldwide.