Sony Ericsson, a 50/50 joint venture of Sony Corporation and Ericsson, is a provider of mobile multimedia devices, including mobile phones, accessories and PC cards. It employs around 11,000 people and has operations in over 80 countries. In 2008, volume and sales were 97 million units and €11.2 billion respectively.

Since its inception in 2001, creating environmentally preferable products has been a priority. The company was the first in the industry to remove brominated flame retardants (BFR) from its entire portfolio, including all phones and accessories. Since 2007, all new products have also been free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Sony Ericsson has gone beyond compliance, as set out in the EU Restriction on the use of certain Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and in other substance regulations relevant for its product models.

Building on this platform of environmental leadership, new initiatives were launched this year that further embed sustainability into products and business practices at Sony Ericsson.

With the launch in 2008 of the Environmental Warranty, Sony Ericsson guarantees that when its products are taken to a designated collection point, they will be recycled in an environmentally sound way.

The warranty is globally valid, regardless of where the product was originally purchased. The initiative has established over 500 collection points around the globe including in India, China, Singapore, US and Mexico. During 2009, roll-out of the warranty will be completed in all countries of operation.

This year, Sony Ericsson will begin using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and report emissions to that standard. A life-cycle assessment approach helps emissions reduction strategies by identifying areas of highest impact. Transportation, at an estimated 15 percent of the total carbon footprint, represents a life-cycle stage with great potential for emissions reductions, due both to the scale of the impacts and because the company can directly influence transportation strategies.

Alternative transportation routes in Europe and China are being piloted. These replace aviation routes with more carbon-lean rail or ship transportation. New shipping and packaging concepts are also being developed to reduce the size and weight of loads, consolidate shipments, and increase fill rates. Findings from these pilots will be used to create improved efficiencies throughout the entire transport process.

To reduce carbon emissions, Sony Ericsson is also focusing on the product use phase. Using innovations from its GreenHeart phone concept, it aims to develop the most efficient charger in the industry.

Sony Ericsson units shipped

Sony Ericsson’s Code of Conduct and auditing system ensure high environmental and social standards along the supply chain. In addition, the company recognizes the importance of collaborating with suppliers to address root problems.

In 2008, Sony Ericsson Observers were introduced. They regularly visit and collaborate with suppliers to achieve lasting improvements by tackling core issues and demonstrating the business value of improved working conditions.