Sony is implementing measures to reduce the packaging used for disc-based products, including music and movies.

In collaboration with Sony DADC and key vendor partners, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) pursued initiatives in all areas of the supply chain that help to support its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and minimizing the impact on the environment.

Key projects contributing to continued supply chain success include additional roll out of light weight cases across DVD and BD formats, the implementation of the multi-disc stacking hub cases and other packaging optimization efforts, water and electricity usage reductions, transportation optimization and continued vendor engagement. Material consumption reductions in FY2010 include: 123 tons (270,300 lbs) of paper, 319 tons (703,200 lbs) of board and 1,028 tons (2,267,000 lbs) of plastic. The light weight DVD packaging uses approximately 20% less plastic than a standard-weight single-disc DVD case and 32% less plastic than a standard-weight two-disc DVD case. The new light weight BD packaging uses 20% less plastic in both the single and double disc case. The multi-disc stacking hub reduces polypropylene, board, and paper consumption significantly.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Sony DADC jointly completed the first global supply chain carbon footprint study for both single disc DVD and single disc BD. The study includes data from operating territories in all regions of the world and utilizes the PAS 2050 measurement protocol. Additionally, the data was collected in a manner that would allow maximum flexibility as calculation methodologies evolve. The results of the study are currently being reviewed.

Since 2008, Sony Music Entertainment Inc. (SME) has issued new and catalog releases in plastic-free environmentally conscious CD packages, many of which use recycled materials. In the United States, titles continue to be released in eco-conscious paperboard based packages, including (but not limited to): DBS Disc box slider packs and softpacks. Legacy's Essential 3.0 series is available in an eco-conscious digi-pack for the environmentally- and budget-conscious consumer.

In fiscal year 2008, Sony DADC in Austria developed its proprietary Bend-it Green disc packaging, which is made of 100% recycled cardboard or FSC/PEFC-certified material and uses a variety of environmentally sustainable inks, glues and varnishes. Carbon emissions generated in the production of Bend-it Green are between 26% and 40%*1 less than those generated in the production of other types of disc packaging, depending on what it is replacing, e.g., polypropylene (used for DVD packaging) or polystyrene (used for CD packaging). Bend-it Green is also easy to recycle, as there is no need to separate components. The brand name describes the unconventional bend-out disc holder, which makes handling very easy.

Because it reduces the environmental impact of albums so effectively, Bend-it Green has been recognized by Julie's Bicycle, a UK-based music industry-led NPO set up to recognize commitment to reducing green house gas emissions and promote environmental sustainability. Sony Music's BRIT Awards Album 2009, which was packaged in Bend-it Green, was the first of its kind to receive the Industry Green Standard for CD packaging, branded as the Music Industry Green Mark.

In addition to Sony Music's CDs, Bend-it Green is helping to reduce the carbon footprint of other copyrighted products in the music, movie and marketing industries.

Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (SPEJ) was the first company in the DVD industry in Japan to use environmentally conscious rental DVD cases as part of its ongoing effort to respond to environmental issues. SPEJ delivers DVDs to rental stores in protective cases "Secolo™", made from paper, an innovative cardboard-based packaging developed in-house, instead of conventional plastic cases. The switch to Secolo™ enabled SPEJ not only to cut back on the amount of plastic it uses annually by approximately 21 tons, but also to reduce cubature by about one-fifth and total weight by about 60%, yielding a commensurate reduction in CO2 emissions during transportation. By extending the use of Secolo™ to DVDs for retail sale, in 2010 SPEJ further reduced the amount of plastic it used by four tons from the 2009 level. To commemorate the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010, SPEJ released a special series of DVDs featuring the biologies of a diverse range of species. When designing the packaging for the series, SPEJ addressed the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from printing and disc production--seen as difficult to accomplish directly--through carbon offsetting*2, achieved through the use of green energy.

In 2010, SPEJ became the first company in the movie industry to participate in the Eco Products Exhibition, where it introduced visitors to its environmental initiatives both in Japan and overseas.