Sony 2003 Annual Report Download - page 50

Sony Corporation Annual Report 200348
In addition to its commitment to environmentally sen-
sitive products, Sony collects and recycles end-of-life Sony
products. During the year under review, approximately
460,000 Sony televisions, including Aiwa-brand televi-
sions, were recycled in Japan. In Europe, Sony is teaming
up with Braun GmbH (Germany), the Electrolux Group
(Sweden) and the Hewlett-Packard Company (U.S.) to
launch the pan-European Recycling Platform to collect
and recycle used products.
Establishment of a Global Code of Conduct
In June 2003, Sony established the Sony Global Code of
Conduct to ensure that every member of the Sony Group
worldw ide is fully aware of the company’s stance on the
above. The code not only requires strict compliance with
laws and regulations, but also includes basic policies of
the Sony Group governing human rights, the disclosure
of information, the protection of intellectual property and
environmental conservation.
Improving “Eco-Efficiency”
Sony positions environmental conservation as a vital man-
agement issue. By the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011,
Sony plans to double its eco-efficiency (sales divided by
environmental impact of the company), compared with
the fiscal year ended M arch 31, 2001. During the year
under review, Sony introduced environmentally sensitive
products and reduced the environmental impact of
manufacturing and other operating activities. Compared
with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, emission effi-
ciency of greenhouse gases, which may contribute to
global warming, improved 1.05 times, resource input
efficiency improved 1.18 times and resource output effi-
ciency improved 1.18 times. Sony worked particularly
hard to manage the chemicals used in its products and
enlisted the aid of its business partners in this effort
through Sony’s Green Partner program.
Environmentally Sensitive Products and Recycling
Initiatives
The Walkman product frames pictured here w ent on sale
in Japan in November 2002. Of the plastics used to make
them, more than 90% by w eight are made from a veg-
etable-based plastic. The use of vegetables that can be
grown every year as raw materials reduces Sony’s
consumption of petroleum resources.
Walkman product frames made using a vegetable-based plastic.
Sony Group employees volunteer to make New York’s Central
Park more beautiful.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Sony provides more information about its social and environmental activities to stakeholders through its w ebsite and other publications:
http://ww w.sony.net/eco/
Sony believes that addressing issues of concern to stakeholders, a group that includes not only
shareholders, but also customers, business partners, local communities and employees, regarding
the social impact of its business activities leads to increased corporate value.
Community Relations
Since its inception, Sony has conducted various programs
to assist in the growth and development of the coming
generation, primarily by supporting educational activities.
Today, as relationships betw een companies and society
become increasingly important, Sony is striving to engage
in activities that meet the needs of the local communities
in w hich it operates and to build strong relationships w ith
those communities as a responsible corporate citizen.