I I do a lot of developing for more responsible video game packaging, and so this blog from Sony on how they are reducing plastic in their PlayStation boxes was quite interesting read.
As part of the “obligation to prevent the use of plastic in redesigned packaging for small products by 2025”, Sony explains how the boxes for the new PlayStation 5 are “between 93 and 99% plastic-free (by weight)” in the Basically only the handle is the only thing that is not made of recycled paper or cardboard. They hardly use any glue. Most cardboard boxes are made by simply folding the paper instead of gluing it together.
Some of the other steps Sony has taken to make the PS5’s packaging more environmentally friendly are:
– Design of packaging that is fully recyclable
– Avoid expanded polystyrene or plastic trays by using card inserts and paper pulp pillow trays
– Replacing plastic cable ties with paper cable ties
– Elimination of protective plastic bags for cables and operating instructions, as far as possible
– Replacing closed card boxes with plastic shop windows for PS5 accessories
That’s cool and all, but you only buy a PS5 once and then spend the next 5-7 years buying a lot more games. So what about game packaging that is still very strong plastic? Well, I have no idea what’s happening in North America and Asia, but Sony says that “we will test the inclusion of polypropylene, which has been recycled from post-industrial waste, in our physical game bags in Europe in 2021,” which is neat.
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