Sony is continually working to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout their product lifecycles. Product assessment begins at the planning and design stage. Sony is moving forward to ensure decreased energy consumption and reduced resource use across a wide variety of products, including BRAVIA and VAIO. Sony has also established effective supply chain management systems with the aim of controlling, reducing and eliminating the use of chemical substances in its products. Other environmental initiatives include the use of recycled plastics in products, and the development of vegetable-based plastic.