How TCL is Embedding ESG into Global Operations

Chinese technology company TCL has outlined how it is embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its global operations, highlighting initiatives spanning manufacturing efficiency, supply chain responsibility and sustainable global expansion.

Manufacturing decarbonisation and energy efficiency

The company says it is integrating ESG principles across its operational strategy while pursuing green and low-carbon transformation throughout its industrial chain.

Founder and chairman Li Dongsheng highlighted the role of manufacturing innovation in reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency, noting that industrial production remains a significant source of energy consumption.

Speaking at the United Nations Global Compact “ESG+20 Sustainability Leaders Interview Series” that Li discussed the company’s ESG strategy and explained that companies must pursue innovation in production technologies, processes and workflows in order to achieve meaningful energy savings.

Within TCL’s manufacturing network, TCL CSOT implemented multiple energy-saving measures during 2024, resulting in electricity savings of 220,000 MWh.

In October 2025, the company also announced the construction of a printed OLED production line designed to significantly reduce power consumption compared with traditional vacuum evaporation processes, helping reduce carbon emissions at the source.

Sustainability initiatives also extend to product development. TCL’s FreshIN energy-saving air conditioner received the “AI Energy-Saving Technology Gold Award” at the IFA 2025 for its carbon footprint-reducing design.

At an industry level, solar technology company TCL Zhonghuan contributes to the development of global clean energy infrastructure through its core products.

Strengthening ESG standards across the supply chain

As a leading company within its industrial ecosystem, TCL has encouraged partners across its supply chain to implement ESG principles through both TCL Industries and TCL Technology.

The company has established supplier standards covering labour rights protection and operational compliance, promoting responsible practices among upstream and downstream partners and these measures aim to ensure sustainability commitments extend beyond TCL’s own operations and into its wider value chain.

Global expansion built on local development

Li also discussed how sustainability principles are integrated into TCL’s global expansion strategy.

The company’s international growth has evolved from exporting products to developing local manufacturing capabilities in key markets.

Li referenced earlier milestones including the acquisition of Thomson’s colour television business and Alcatel’s mobile phone business in 2004, alongside the development of manufacturing bases in Mexico and Vietnam.

According to Li, operating to the “highest standards” across different regulatory environments allows the company to create value for local economies, employees and communities.

Innovation, AI and responsible brand growth

Technological innovation remains central to TCL’s sustainability and competitiveness strategy.

The company invests approximately RMB12 billion (about USD 1.74 billion) annually in research and development and has accumulated 124,000 patents, including nearly 20,000 PCT patents.

In recent years TCL has also integrated large AI models into its intelligent manufacturing systems. In 2024 these initiatives generated RMB530 million (around USD 76.8 million) in economic benefits for TCL CSOT.

Li also highlighted the role of corporate responsibility in building brand trust, noting that TCL has incorporated ESG into the strategic planning and annual targets of all business units and publishes ESG reports each year.

In 2025 the company also became a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, a move that increased global visibility and coincided with a 30% rise in TCL’s European market sales.

Supporting global sustainability initiatives

TCL officially joined the United Nations Global Compact in July 2024 and has committed to supporting the organisation’s Ten Principles covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption.

Through initiatives ranging from energy efficiency and emissions reduction to responsible supply chain management and sustainable innovation, TCL says it aims to embed ESG principles throughout its corporate strategy and global operations.

What is #TCLGreen?

#TCLGreen, launched by TCL in 2022, is a global campaign highlighting the company’s progress on environmental, social and governance priorities.

The programme focuses on reducing environmental impact through greener production methods, developing more energy-efficient devices and encouraging circular-economy practices such as electronics recycling. It also aims to increase visibility around TCL’s long-term sustainability goals.

Key sustainability initiatives at TCL

• Electronics recycling programmes to support responsible disposal and recycling of electronic waste.
• Energy-efficient product development, focusing on TVs and consumer electronics designed to reduce power consumption.
• Sustainable and recyclable packaging, including greater use of recycled and FSC-certified materials.
• Circular economy initiatives aimed at improving product and packaging recyclability.
• Carbon-reduction and climate targets, including a roadmap toward operational carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Responsible supply-chain management aligned with international standards such as the Responsible Business Alliance Code of Conduct.
• Environmental awareness programmes that promote sustainability and recycling among consumers and communities.