Video game console packaging is an important part of the experience not only for consumers but for the console maker too. The materials used make these boxes cause a large dent in emissions especially when you’re creating millions of boxes for gamers all around the world. While Microsoft’s Xbox Series X unboxing experience was levels above the PS5 (you can see why in our unboxing video here), Sony has explained why the box of the PlayStation 5 takes on a minimalist approach.
The aim of Sony by 2025 is to eliminate plastic from their product packaging completely and the PS5 was one of the first products to adopt this approach. This goes hand in hand with Sony’s Green Management 2025 plan.
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Sony says that its new products and all the packaging will adopt a new plastic-free approach. In the DualShock 4, after Sony released the V2 model, the company used 70% recycled PET plastic for the display windows and handing hooks. This design approach was adopted in the North and South American and European markets where the recycled materials were readily available. In addition, it was the first step Sony took towards offering a greener product.
With the PS5, the company went a step further and designed the console and accessory packaging to be completely recyclable. Sony says that the PS5 packaging contains between 93-99% plastic-free overall depending on your region. If you have watched a PS5 unboxing or been able to unbox it yourself, you will see this throughout the box. Even the cable fasteners are plastic-free. It is clear Sony wanted to adopt a green-friendly goal with the PS5 box and they succeeded. They set out to achieve the following:
- Designing packaging to be fully recyclable
- Avoiding expanded polystyrene or plastic trays by using card inserts and paper pulp cushion trays
- Replacing plastic cable ties with paper cable ties
- Eliminating plastic protection bags used for cables and instruction manuals where feasible
- Substituting plastic display windows for closed card boxes for PS5 accessories
- Incorporating folding, rather than glued, hanger tabs to outer packaging
But the company’s approach is present throughout the PS5 range. Even if you purchase a standalone accessory such as the headset or DualSense controller, you will experience a greener box with little to no plastic. Sony aims to tackle its retail game boxes soon too by making them out of polypropylene recycled from post-industrial waste.
If you have not watched a PS5 unboxing yet, check the quick one we did out down below.
Source: Sony
