Recently, smart audio brand Sonos (NASDAQ: SONO) has launched a "Climate Change Action Plan", committing to creating a more sustainable future. The implementation of this plan will push Sonos to become carbon neutral by 2030 and zero emissions by 2040. At the same time, Sonos also released the "2021 - Better Listening" report, which details the company's ESG (environmental, social and governance) work in 2021.
"The launch of the Climate Change Action Plan marks a new phase in our commitment to environmental responsibility, and we are accelerating efforts to reduce our environmental impact across the board." Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos, said, "Sonos is a company rooted in innovation, and we are passionate about challenging innovation to create better solutions for our customers and our planet. ”
Building on a clear, measurable climate plan, Sonos has also introduced a new approach to product sustainability, with the immediate goal of improving energy efficiency, considering that three-quarters of Sonos' carbon emissions come from the energy consumed by each product over its lifetime.
Take action against the climate crisis
Sonos partnered with VitalMetrics to map the company's carbon footprint – from raw materials and packaging to the use and end-of-life of products. Based on this environmental baseline report, Sonos has developed a climate action plan to guide the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in all areas where the company has the greatest environmental impact (products, supply chain and distribution) as well as in its direct operations.
"To make the changes necessary to protect the environment in the coming decades, all companies must first understand their full impact on the environment. It's a challenging, cumbersome job, and I'm glad Sonos is moving forward. Sangwon Suh, principal scientist at VitalMetrics, said, "I hope more companies will lead them to set ambitious and scientific climate targets and take practical action to achieve them." ”
Scientifically validated, Sonos is first focused on carbon reduction in products and operations, working to achieve its goals through nature strategies, including habitat regeneration and conservation. In the future, Sonos will partner with the non-profit charity Sustainable Surf to help offset Sonos' direct emissions through the Marine Ecosystem Project in Cambodia's Southern Cardamom Mountain Basin.
"We are thrilled because Sonos helps us restore the world's blue carbon ecosystems and reverse climate change while creating positive sustainability benefits for local communities." Kevin Whilden, co-founder and executive director of Sustainable Surf, said.
The Sonos Climate Change Action Plan also includes working with businesses that use sound to improve the environment and fund leading bioacoustic research. Sonos has also joined Music Declares Emergency to support the wider music industry in reducing its environmental impact.
"We are committed to creating a sustainable future for Sonos and our planet, and for this we have set ambitious goals to begin this journey." Deji Olukotun, Head of Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility at Sonos, said, "The climate crisis requires all companies to accelerate the pace of innovation. This means partners working with each other to make the most of our resources and meaningful partnerships. ”
Improve product design and performance
Sonos has always believed that a great listening experience can be consistent with environmental awareness. In addition to the Climate Action Plan, Sonos has announced a product sustainability program to reduce the carbon emissions and environmental impact of its products.
Sonos has announced short- and long-term targets for energy efficiency, materials, product lifespan and packaging, and will conduct its first product environmental life cycle assessment this year.
● Energy efficiency: Product energy consumption is an important driver of Sonos' carbon emission reduction. The company is committed to improving the energy efficiency of its product portfolio, with a focus on standby and dormancy. Sonos introduced sleep mode in the Roam SL, which makes the Roam SL the most energy-efficient speaker in Sonos, and all new Sonos products will add sleep mode by fiscal year 2023. The company aspires to reduce standby power consumption across its entire portfolio to less than 2 watts, starting with all portable products in fiscal 2022.
● Product Lifespan: Sonos strives to ensure that the product can be used for a long time and will continue to support every speaker sold. In fiscal year 2021, the company has started a new "detachable design" process, which will be used for all new audio and components starting in fiscal year 2023. This approach features easier repair, refurbishment and recycling, such as the use of fasteners instead of adhesives.
Material: E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. Sonos is working to recycle its products in the future, when old products will be recycled to make new Sonos products. By the end of fiscal 2023, 100% of new Sonos products will begin using recycled plastics instead of raw plastics, and new products will be 100% halogen-free.
● Packaging: A comprehensive product cycle must include packaging. For Sonos, high-end packaging also means eco-friendly packaging. This year, Sonos made a major update to the packaging design, using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified proprietary Sonos Custom Kraft paper. The paper will be used first for Roam SL packaging and will be used later for new products launched in FY2022-2025. By fiscal 2025, Sonos packaging will be 100% made of eco-friendly paper, including PCR (post-consumer recycled) paper, FSC-certified paper, and paper made using plant-based fibers, as Sonos aims to completely eliminate plastic from packaging. The company will continue to reduce the use of plastic in packaging, using PCR plastic if necessary.
Transform your supply chain and distribution
In its commitment to sustainability, Sonos also announced that it will join the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), the world's largest industry alliance dedicated to improving social, environmental and ethical conditions in global supply chains. Sonos is committed to gradually aligning its operations with the social, environmental and ethical industry standards outlined in the RBA Code of Conduct.
"We look forward to Sonos supporting our company vision to drive sustainable value for employees, the environment and the business in our global supply chain." Rob Lederer, CEO of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), said, "As a member of the RBA, Sonos works with like-minded companies to focus on improving working and environmental conditions and business performance through leading standards and practices. ”
Sonos will formally set environmental goals in the coming year to improve the company's supply chain approach and the distribution focus areas of the Climate Action Plan. This includes working with key suppliers to improve their respective climate footprints and exploring repairs and refurbishments locally wherever possible.