News
Sony Green Partnership
Under the Sony Environmental Vision introduced in 2000, Sony is implementing environmental conservation activities covering the entire life cycle of its products. Part of this is the Green Partnership (GP) programme, started in 2002. This programme ensures that all suppliers support Sony's environmental policies, and includes an environmental management system, analytical testing to ensure that certain hazardous substances (e.g. cadmium) are excluded, and observance of Environmental Technical Standard SS-00259. The standard is entirely compatible with ISO14001, but requires a number of additional specific checks and management systems, including legally-binding warranties.
Phil Christie, Laboratory Manager at BIC’s Centre of Excellence for Home Entertainment Coatings in Liverpool, UK, explained, “With our ISO14001 certification – and a lot of hard work – we managed to get Sony GP approval just 5 weeks after our first audit, with a very positive report from Sony. This enables us not just to supply Sony’s global business, but to design future colours that will conform.”
BIC UK plans include a dedicated manufacturing facility for plastic coatings which will improve production efficiency while ensuring the coatings are environmentally conforming. In addition, BIC France and Germany are currently undertaking Sony approval.
www.sony.net
Released: June 2004