Sony shows longstanding commitment towards a greener future - Celebrating 0 years Mercury free battery production

In 2015 Sony celebrates its 10 year anniversary of the production of mercury-free silver oxide battery. Ever since pioneering this environmentally friendly alternative in 2005, Sony has shifted its entire European battery product range of 32 models to the mercury-free technology, demonstrating its continuous endeavour for environmentally friendly manufacturing.

After recognising its negative environmental impact, the European Commission noted that Mercury (Hg) and most of its compounds are highly toxic to humans, ecosystems and wildlife [1]. The 10 year anniversary puts Sony years ahead of the European Union legislative entity, which will ban the use of mercury in all button cells from 1st October 2015. Sony wholeheartedly backs this move to a new standard of mercury-free batteries, which will reduce the annual mercury consumption by 470kg.

Mercury, which to this date has been tolerated in small quantities of 2% of the battery's weight, can be a highly toxic pollutant. Although toxic, the chemical has been used in the battery industry to prevent corrosion within the batteries which could result in swelling and leakage.

In contrast to mercury-containing batteries that can be found in the market, Sony's mercury-free batteries use corrosion-resistant zinc -alloy powder as well as anti-corrosion material in the anode material. Finally, anti-corrosion material is extended to the surface collector material to prevent even the slightest leakage.

Kumi Sano, Head of Sony's branded battery business, says It is thanks to Sony's heritage in battery production since 1977, its innovative efforts and ongoing commitment to responsible manufacturing that it invented mercury-free silver oxide batteries eliminating the batteries' polluting effects without diminishing performance of the battery. These efforts also placed Sony as a leading partner and supplier of mercury-free silver oxide batteries to many ecologically-conscious, international watch and jewellery makers.

[1] http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/mercury/pdf/final_report_110712.pdf;

Frequently Asked Questions on Directive 2006/66/EU on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators, EUROPEAN COMMISSION, May 2014

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $75 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/

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