Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has revealed its approach to designing the PlayStation 5's packaging. In particular, the company found clever ways to reduce plastic usage without harming the packaging's aesthetic appeal.
The PlayStation 5 surprised many with its curved white aesthetic, which breaks away from the more boxy PlayStation 4 family of systems. Some were quick to point out the PS5's enormous size, which meant it would need to have quite a bit of packaging. This could result in a substantial amount of plastic waste, to say nothing of the peripherals that launched with the console. While packaging posed a challenge for Sony, it was one the company was apparently intent to try and solve.
According to a blog post by Kieren Mayers, SIE's Director of Environment and Technical Compliance, Sony designed the PlayStation 5's packaging to use a minimum amount of plastic and be fully recyclable. This required Sony to replace many individual components with paper ones, through the use of parts like paper pulp trays and paper twist ties. That said, Sony also made progress by removing some plastic bags, such as those used for manuals and cables.
Sony also applied a similar philosophy to the package design for PlayStation 5 accessories, such as standalone DualSense controllers beyond the one provided with the system. In the past, packages for accessories like the PlayStation 4's DualShock controller used plastic windows to preview what was inside the box. Now, the plastic windows have been replaced with pictures of the in-box items. The DualSense also uses folding paper hanging hooks, rather than the glued-on plastic hooks.
PlayStation 5 owners may see these efforts extend to upcoming PS5 game cases as well. According to Mayers, some Sony game cases released in the European market in 2021 will use recycled polypropylene. This could open the door to more environmentally conscious game packaging worldwide. Plus, given the popularity of the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, which has no disc drive, fewer game cases may be required to satisfy demand for PS5 games in a few years.
Whether or not its packaging played a role in consumer interest, the PlayStation 5 has had an exceptional debut thus far. The console currently boasts the most successful five-month console launch period in American history, edging out the Nintendo Switch. This is especially impressive considering the system currently has few exclusive titles. If its popularity continues to grow as more first-party exclusives release, Sony might get the chance to apply its strategies for environmental sustainability on a broader scale than ever before.
Source: SIE Blog