Sustainable Future - Products & technogies for sustainability

We’re developing products and technologies which are more energy efficient and minimise impact on the environment. Find out about some of our eco innovations and product concepts which could play a part in helping to save energy in the future.

Bio batteries could power eco devices in the future

Bio-batteries that use enzymes to produce energy

The Sony R&D team has developed new 'bio batteries’ that generate electricity by using enzymes to break down carbohydrates, in the form of glucose. These batteries apply the innate ability of organisms to gain energy from nutrients, which, instead of being converted for vital activities, are used to produce electrical energy. This new Sony technology could one day revolutionise the way we power personal entertainment devices and other electrical equipment.

Learn more about bio-batteries (English only)

Soon, solar cells will be greener to manufacture Sony has been developing a new solar cell technology that produces energy from light shining on coloured dyes. It is hoped this new technology will make solar cells not only a great way to create green energy, but also that they will be more environmentally friendly to manufacture.

OLED TV screens offer high quality viewing and a slim design

Low energy, high performance TV screens

Many TVs already use LED technology for superior backlight performance with lower energy consumption. The next development to look out for is OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) – this groundbreaking technology uses an "Organic Panel" with a high aperture ratio that allows for efficient light emission from the organic materials, realising high peak brightness. So you’ll get amazing backlight with incredibly low energy consumption. It also means your TV will be even thinner, neatly combining two advantages in one technology.

Energy efficient, rechargeable energy storage units

Energy storage using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

Energy storage units play an important role as back-up power supplies for data servers, mobile phone reception towers and in recharging stations for electric vehicles. We have been developing energy storage units with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries as part of our environmental measures to reduce CO2 emissions. The batteries are an energy efficient alternative to commonly used lead or nickel cadmium batteries, which are potentially harmful to the environment, and have a long life span as they can be used again and again.

Product innovation using kinetic energy

Crank N' Capture / video camera Powered by turning the crank on the side of the camera to shoot and play back, the Crank N’ Capture video camera captures video that is intentionally choppy, as if animated by flipping pages.

Spin N' Snap / digital camera Powered by sticking your fingers through two holes and spinning the camera end over end. This digital camera has no LCD screen and also uses the power-up holes as a viewfinder.

Pull N' Play / stereo headphones Powered by pulling the cord in the housing, these headphones have a built-in FM radio. The ear pads and the body are made of recycled material and fold up for easy carrying or storage.

Push Power Play / photo and video viewer Powered by rolling the viewer on its base-mounted roller, this photo and video viewer lets you enjoy playing back your memories with zero energy consumption.

Juice Box solar battery A great energy capture device – simply stick this solar battery to a window to collect sunlight using the attached suction cups. After charging, fold it up as a portable battery for other "Odo" prototypes.