In an effort to reduce the use of plastic, Sony has designed recyclable, plastic-free PS5 packages for consoles and accessories. The PS5 released in November 2020 and has since been shattering console sales records. It’s also managed to surpass the sales of the PS Vita, Wii U, and Dreamcast in the United Kingdom.
One can only imagine what sales would look like if the PS5 had a typical launch. Unfortunately, the new console generation has taken a major hit because of COVID-19 and China’s complicated relationship with the United States in recent years. This has led to a shortage of PS5 and Xbox Series X/S components. This is an issue that will likely last for another year or two. Because of this, PS5s will continue to be restocked in smaller supplies than gamers have been used to in the past.
Regardless of shortages, Sony knows that it will sell plenty of consoles, and in preparation, it has poured resources into developing PS5 packaging that is completely recyclable and “depending on the product… 93-99% plastic-free overall (by weight),” according to a blog post on the Sony Interactive Entertainment website. This is part of Sony’s “Green Management 2025” initiative that aims to “eliminate plastic use in newly designed small product packaging by 2025.” The post includes a list of improvements Sony has made to its packaging, including replacing a lot of previously plastic items with paper-based versions and doing away with protection bags for things like cords and manuals.
This serves as another gleaming example of how Sony and the PS5 continue to try and innovate in the gaming industry. However, there’s concern about some of the games that are announced for the new generation. There’s a worry that Sony is putting too much hope in its established franchises. Gamers love to hear about sequels, but it’s hard to deny the power of a new, mysterious IP. So far, little has been heard about new IPs from Sony’s in-house studios, while sequels and spinoffs to God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Uncharted have all been confirmed.
Fortunately, it can be argued that the company's progress with PS5 packaging actually serves a much higher purpose. Recycling and plastic use are issues that affect far more than just the gaming industry. PS5 updates and new games do little to address world issues. Sony is letting the planet and the people on it know that the PS5 is doing its part. According to Sony’s blog post, “Over the last 50 years plastic use worldwide has increased around twentyfold, but recycling rates remain low at around 9%.” While the PS5 is made out of plastic, that doesn’t mean the packaging has to be.
Source: Sony
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