Recycling

The global environmental issues pose significant challenges on sustainability of our planet earth, human beings and biodiversity. The proposition of us living in the twenty-first century is to squarely face up to the global environment issues and to accelerate seeking a solution to them.

Based on the recognition of such challenges, Panasonic laid it down that we would center “eco“ in all business activities. Activities to solve resource problems should be promoted as well as an approach towards low carbon. We will pursue thorough resources saving in manufacturing and will promote resources recycling in all supply chains with which we are involved.

Recycling of used products is positioned as one of resources recycling activities. Panasonic supports IPR (Individual Producer Responsibility) as the ultimate and ideal way to promote recycling. There are various challenges by each country and region, so there should be a case that phased approach is needed. We will discuss well with stakeholders in each society and develop the most efficient recycling scheme which is suitable to the real situation of each country.

Actually Panasonic has contributed to the development of Home Appliance Recycling Law in Japan, which includes many aspects of IPR. In Europe, we established ENE EcologyNet Europe GmbH (ENE) to collect and recycle End-of-Life products appropriately with high quality recyclers. In the US, we are responding to states with e-waste law and providing nationwide voluntary take-back program through Electric Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, LLC (MRM), which Panasonic played a leadership role in founding. We will focus on manufacturing products with higher recyclability and development of recycling technology, and continue to contribute to forming a recycling-oriented society.