Sonos drives ocean protection with new acoustic sanctuaries

January 22, 2026 3 min read

Sonos supports research and the design of protected spaces to mitigate the impact of maritime traffic and underwater noise.

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Can the ocean be heard without harming it?

Sonos envisions a future where music and marine life coexist in harmony.

Sonos (NASDAQ: SONO) released its annual Listen Better Report 2025, highlighting initiatives to reduce environmental impact, promote a circular economy, and protect biodiversity. The company also launched an ambitious project to establish the world’s first underwater acoustic sanctuaries, in collaboration with the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

CEO Statements

Tom Conrad, CEO of Sonos, emphasizes:

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“When a customer brings a Sonos product into their home, it is extremely important to us. Our speakers live on their bookshelves, under their TVs, next to their records. They become part of their space and daily rituals for many years. When something is part of your life for that long, it must be made responsibly.”

The report highlights several sustainability achievements:

Recycled materials: The Arc Ultra soundbar, Era 100 and Era 300 speakers, and Ace headphones have achieved the SCS Recycled Content Standard certification, awarded by an independent organization.

Plastic reduction: Sonos will increase the recycled plastic content in the Arc Ultra from 5% to over 40% by July 2026.

Durable, repairable design: 9 out of 10 Sonos products sold are still in use. This is made possible through replaceable parts, swappable battery kits, and screws instead of adhesives to facilitate repairs.

Award-winning packaging: For the fourth time, Sonos has received first place in the Dieline Awards, recognizing packaging that streamlines shipping, enhances user experience, and reduces waste.

A Unique Underwater Campaign

Additionally, Sonos announced a campaign with the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation to create underwater acoustic sanctuaries through a $100,000 donation to 1% for the Planet.

The initiative aims to reduce container ship noise that threatens marine ecosystems and will unfold in three phases: defining standardized criteria, designating sanctuaries, and assisting in creating new protected areas, with the goal of having the first sanctuaries operational by 2027.

Deji Olukotun, Sonos Global Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, explains:

“For several years, we have supported non-profits using artificial intelligence and acoustic sensors to promote biodiversity in our oceans and forests through our 1% for the Planet contributions. This is the next step. We envision thriving underwater habitats with rich, natural sound—the kind of sound these places deserve.”

Robert Mazurek, CEO of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, adds:

“Partnering with Sonos on this initiative allows us to leverage decades of research on ocean sounds and marine management expertise to designate the world’s first underwater acoustic sanctuaries. Our Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program has demonstrated the power of public-private collaborations in addressing some of the greatest threats to marine environments and endangered whale populations. Managing underwater noise is critical to protecting marine habitats, and this partnership enables us to help ocean managers worldwide implement proven noise mitigation strategies.”

Climate and Social Commitment

Sonos maintains its commitment to climate action and social equity:

Carbon-neutral operations for eight consecutive years.

Emission reduction: 20% below 2020 levels, with a slight 5% increase from the previous fiscal year, maintaining a long-term downward trend.

Responsible sourcing: Integration of strict labor, health, safety, and environmental standards through the Responsible Business Alliance.

Environmental philanthropy: Continued donation of proceeds from refurbished products to 1% for the Planet.

Inclusive initiatives: Collaboration with the Agroecological Xochimilco Initiative A.C. to restore 2,000 m² of land for the Chinampa Maestra and support the Escuela Campesina, with a $15,000 contribution.