At a Sony lab in Stuttgart, Germany, this technician is examining a piece of a product part. One electronic product may contain hundreds or thousands of parts such as this. But strict control of the chemical substances in each and every part helps us prevent environmental pollution. We feel it's our responsibility as a global manufacturer. This is the thinking behind SS-00259, Sony’s own set of standards for global control of chemical substances. Established in March 2002, the implementation of these regulations made it possible for Sony to control the use of environmentally sensitive substances in parts and materials. Related laws and regulations around the world served as points of reference for SS-00259, which also reflect the opinions of our stakeholders. These management regulations are now followed by a great many people involved in Sony production worldwide. Of course, it took the understanding and support of all of our suppliers to get this far.

Initially, some suppliers were critical of SS-00259. There were concerns that chemical substances would be hard to manage in a supply chain spanning several stages from materials suppliers to parts suppliers, and with the sheer volume involved. But as part of our commitment to the environment, we insisted these regulations be followed, and some 4,000 companies and 7,000 plants were requested to comply. The system was introduced after three core principles were established.

1. Upstream Management
In 2002, Sony established the Green Partner Environmental Quality Approval Program. Only suppliers that pass a strict screening or audit are certified as Green Partners and authorized for procurement.

2. Management in Quality Control/Quality Assurance Processes
Conformity both with regular quality control standards as well as SS-00259 standards must be verified. Samples of mass-produced parts are inspected. In Europe, products are inspected in warehouses before shipment. These strict management practices prevent any nonconforming products from entering the market.

3. Application of Measurement Rules
To prevent prohibited substances from accidentally being used in products, Green Partners must submit certificates of non-use (attesting that their parts and materials contain no prohibited chemical substances) as well as measurement data for specified high-risk substances used in products. For these substances Sony has also implemented internal control systems utilizing measurement devices distributed to Sony sites worldwide, to help ensure products are free of prohibited substances.

We are currently pursuing even higher standards of environmental quality with our Green Partners. It is not enough merely to have standards; they must be upheld. We insist on it. We are paying meticulous attention to all of our materials and parts, to offer safe products worldwide. The Sony vision of a greener future is well underway.