By Kim Yoo-chul
Japan’s consumer electronics giant Sony is transforming itself into an eco-friendly company. In Korea, Sony is closely collaborating with local government to push its ``green initiatives.’’
Sony Korea, led by President Itoki Kimihiro, has been launching various campaigns with government agencies in an attempt to raise consumers’ awareness for ``green initiatives.’’
The efforts have so far been effective. The company was awarded by the Korean government for its consistent efforts to cut carbon emissions. In 2009 and 2010, Sony was the sole foreign firm in Korea, which joined an ``Eco Tree Campaign’’ with Seoul.
``At Sony headquarters and global branches, we will take back any of our products and recycle them in the most responsible manner,’’ said senior Sony Korea spokeswoman Hong Ji-eun, Tuesday.
Hong said ``We make it, We take it back’’ was Sony’s top policy since 1995 and the policy was effective in Korea as well. ``This will help us reach our Road to Zero goal. Sony will try harder to remain the frontrunner,’’ said the spokeswoman.
Sony is still instituting the Road to Zero plan, which would help the company have a zero environmental footprint by 2050.
The Tokyo-headquartered Sony is looking at not only cutting its waste and emissions, but also at its use of materials such as petroleum-based plastics. As for the short-term goals by the end of fiscal 2015 or the first quarter of 2016, Sony plans a 30 percent reduction in annual energy consumption of its products.
Also, the company plans to increase waste recycling to more than 99 percent, according to Hong.
In line with Sony’s global campaign, the Korean branch is also participating in industry-wide efforts to better understand environmental issues. Since 2010, Sony has teamed up with the Green Consumer Network in Korea to promote related campaigns.
``Electronics waste zero activity was aimed at recycling and reusing old electronics products and we think that will help South Korean middle and high school students get more awareness about the environment,’’ said Hong, adding Sony is financially supporting those activities.
Those students who’ve shown excellent performances can visit Sony headquarters. ``We will steadily support Sony Korea’s Eco- Volunteer programs as part of our green-related initiatives,’’ said the Sony Korea President.
Sony has been releasing Environmental Flagship models and services in each business category, as well as eliminating the use of certain chemical substances, including polyvinyl chloride and brominated flame retardants.
``At Sony’s offices and factories, we will conduct environmental assessments and develop plans to help meet the goals. Sony is relying on compact packaging and increased loading efficiency to help reduce our logistics footprint,’’ said Hong.