Sony

How ethical and sustainable is Sony? 

Sony is included in The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Televisions Ratings Table. It has yet to meet our ethical standards, but we believe that in the future, the brand will make the necessary changes to function as a more ethical organisation. Sony might increase consumer trust by applying for Ethical Accreditation, which would include a more complete examination and suggestions for ethical development.

More information on the necessity of energy-efficient TVs may be found in The Good Shopping Guide to Ethical TVs. Then, in our Ethical Televisions Ratings Table, compare Sony to other popular television brands for their Ethical Ratings.

What does Sony do?

Sony is a major Japanese electronics manufacturer that began in 1946. Sony produces a large range of products such as Audio, Gaming, Cameras, Mobile and Televisions. Sony’s range of Tvs included OLED, 4K and Smart Tvs. Sony is part of the Sony Corporation.

For which ethical criteria does Sony perform poorly? 

Sony received a low rating for ECO Labels, Political Donations and Human Rights Issues. The brand has no ECO Labels for any of the brand’s TV products. Sony also donated over $4.5 million in recent election cycles. The brand specifically came under fire for Human Rights issues when a 40-year-old Sony employee’s death was attributed to overworking as his family claimed he worked roughly 136 to 265 hours outside of his regular working hours in the three months leading up to his death. The brand was also involved in Human Rights abuses in China.

Past Criticisms of Sony’s ethical record

Sony faced criticism for its Playstation brand after it is being sued for £4 billion in the UK for unwittingly overcharging customers for digital gaming purchases. The brand also scored as one of the Ethical Consumer’s worst-rated brands for the likely use of tax avoidance strategies.

In what areas does Sony score well for its ethics?

Sony receives a high score for its Environmental Report which contains targets on renewable energy and GHG emissions as well as many Green Management targets for 2050. Sony is also a member of RMI with a strong Conflict Minerals policy ensuring that suppliers meet Sony’s ethical standards. The brand also has a strong Code of Conduct with no links to any Armaments, Nuclear Power or Animal Welfare concerns.

How can Sony improve its Ethical Rating?

The Ethical Rating of a brand is divided into three categories by The Good Shopping Guide: the Environment, People and Animals.

Sony can apply for Ethical Accreditation to receive a more detailed assessment of the brand allowing for specific recommendations.

Sony can improve its rating and reach our Ethical Benchmark by tackling the Human Rights issues associated with the brand and ensuring that all of its workers are treated fairly as well as stopping any Political Donations so that there is no affiliation with any particular parties or views.

Why not check out The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation if you work for or with a Television company that is looking to make improvements to your ethical or sustainability policies, or to get certification for the ESG and CSR efforts you are already making?

Contact us to learn more, or complete our short form for an initial sustainability evaluation.