Original Blended Material, Sony's future retail packaging material (update)

Sony Group Corporation and Sony Corporation have developed "Original Blended Material," an environmentally conscious and sustainable paper material made from bamboo, sugar cane fiber and post-consumer recycled paper, whose origins are specified.

The new paper material is recyclable, durable and strong and uses no plastic what so ever. This new material is first being employed for the packaging of the new WF-1000XM4. The packaging is unique since it is uncoloured, allowing the various shades of the material to be visible.

Sony will be adopting this material for future select products, with the upcoming YY2952 also using this type of packaging since in the FCC filing, for the packaging it said "No Plastic in Packaging". While unlikely, in one of the press photos, Sony has a smaller box in a photo which could be the future packaging of this new headset.

The packaging can be made into a variety of shapes by changing the blending ratio of the materials. Some examples can be seen below.

Could the little top box with the Sony logo be the upcoming Sony YY2952?

In addition the new material can embossed, allowing Sony to add further details and attributes to the packaging like the brand logo and model name for example. Embossing negates the use of any inks or dyes for example, further reducing the environmental impact of the packaging.

Sony does state in the press release that the new Original Blend Material packaging is recyclable only in the communities that have appropriate recycling programs. No idea if these recycling programs are the normal ones in most areas or something special that only deals with this material. If anyone knows anything more please leave a comment. I have contacted Sony asking where this recycling of this type of packaging can take place, if I receive a reply, I will update this post.

I do believe this is a great decision by Sony, fully recyclable packaging is a innovative feature and is a step in the right direction. But, taking the newly released WF-1000XM4, its packaging does not look that premium, especially for the premium price one is paying. Do not get me wrong, I applaud Sony for this strategy but the WF-1000XM4 retail box looks like some Bento box. Maybe it is the size of the packaging and if it was slightly bigger and perhaps less rounded, it would look more premium.

Perhaps once I see the new packaging in person and if I buy it, maybe I will change my mind but for now, using new materials is a great idea, but the design is not that premium and could be improved.

Update, no reply from Sony regarding the recycling information, perhaps they have blacklisted me from all the leaks.