Formerly a major player in headphones design, Skullcandy has never lost its taste for innovation and particularities.
On the technical side, let’s mention for example the use of haptic motors in its Crusher ANC headsets. On the merits, the manufacturer is attached to several charitable causes (especially around breast cancer) and societal. Like players like Bang & Olufsen, Skullcandy focused relatively early on on slightly more ecological principles than the average, based on recycled materials and packaging more durable. With its mini Transparency Series range, Skullcandy is taking a step forward, simply announcing carbon neutrality. Nothing revolutionary or non-polluting, but a good initiative.
The same, greener and more limited
Two products make up this mini range, the Transparency Hesh Evo Bluetooth headphones and the True Wireless Transparency Jib True 2 headphones. In terms of design and features, nothing new, since both are simply special editions of the Hesh Evo and Jib True 2 models.
The first is a circum-auricular model (pads surrounding the ears) equipped with 40 mm transducers, equipped with a Tile geolocation beacon and armed with a 36-hour battery life. The second are IPX4 wireless headphones, equipped with a Bluetooth 5.2 chip and promising a total autonomy of 33 hours. These basic versions have a strong argument, in addition to a nice design: their price. Count 80 euros for the Hesh Evo, around 50 euros for the Jib True 2.
Transparency models go further. First, both opt for a semi-transparent plastic, which reveals several elements and brings a slightly more airy side to the design. This is especially true on the Transparency Jib True 2, which applies this material to the load box.
Carbon neutrality, marketing argument or real commitment?
Of course, the main interest of the range remains its more ecological side. Indeed, Skullcandy highlights, in addition to 100% recyclable packaging, the carbon neutrality of its two models. Of course, there is no magic in there, except for carbon offsetting, i.e. the principle of offsetting emissions by financing projects (such as reforestation) or by buying credit carbon. In this case, the Transparency Hesh Evo emits an equivalent of 12.14 kg of CO2 during manufacture, compared to 5.70 kg for the Transparency Jib True 2. Skullcandy, on the other hand, does not specify whether a recycling program is in place downstream, despite the fairly short lifespan of its products.
The initiative is far from rosy therefore, but it remains commendable. Available in limited edition, the Transparency Hesh Evo and Transparency Jib True 2 are currently only marketed in the USA, for a respective price of 115 and 50 dollars. An exit from the Transparency range is not impossible in Europe, but it will undoubtedly involve new models.
Source: Skullcandy press release
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