Buying Ubisoft games soon to be guilt-free with green packaging

Lots of companies are looking at how to make their business green, and the logical place to begin is searching for efficiencies within existing business processes. Almost in a throwback to the days when everyone was excited about the “paperless office”, Ubisoft will soon begin distribution of its games without an instruction manual and with recyclable packaging.

Ubisoft has a long history of developing video games and as of 2008 was the fourth largest publisher in the United States and third largest in Europe. That means they’ve distributed a lot of games so taking out even a relatively small instruction manual could make a big impact on the environment. Rather than distribute the paper manuals, Ubisoft will include digital game guides so players will still have access to some quick tips. That actually could make the instructions more readily accessible anyway.

The company isn’t stopping there though, it’s also planning to introduce an “eco-friendly case made of 100% recycle materials,” according to USA Today. Cases for video games, DVDs and Blu-Ray discs are certainly piling up and making them recyclable is an obvious win.

Of course, an even better solution would be some sort of online distribution through the Internet, but that would require a strong encryption to put video game publishers at ease. The business model is in action already through, just look at the success of Netflix’ online streaming service.

Mobile phone companies are getting involved too with green phones like the Samsung Reclaim on Sprint’s network. Sprint is also working with eRecyclingCorps to recycle old mobile phones. The program allows customers to turn in their old phone for an account credit while eRecyclingCorps handles the recycling piece.

It’s encouraging to see companies making the environment a priority, and even more encouraging to see consumers demanding products with a conscience.