Global Eco Projects

Production sites in Europe are actively working on achieving their set targets concerning waste recycling rates. In June and December 2011 and March 2012, waste recycling training sessions were conducted, where model cases were presented for information sharing and common problems were discussed. Also, a website for environmental representatives was established to widely share the recycling activity information in a timely manner across boundaries.

Panasonic Industrial Devices Slovakia, which is based in a country where sorting waste for recycling is still less common than in other European states, introduced an all-employee environmental education program. The employees are now working to implement waste sorting practices in all the production lines. Sorted waste boxes have been newly introduced with indicators for different waste categories, and waste administrators were appointed. These efforts have led to 97.6% of waste now being recycled.

Panasonic Europe actively creates opportunities for management and stakeholders to exchange opinions in order to expand our contribution in building a sustainable society together with the community.

In September 2011 and February 2012, dialogues were held with the themes of Smart Cities in Europe and Sustainable Energy Turnaround, respectively. Active discussions were held among the attendants, including governmental organizations, NGOs, consumer groups, and academic institutes. We received valuable advice and opinions on our environmental activities, which we will constructively utilize for future activities.

The Eco Picture Diary Contest is designed to encourage children to submit their picture diaries and report on the various eco activities they have conducted, or their ideas about environmental issues. The contests were held in eight countries across Europe and the selected works were put forward for the Pan-European Picture Diary Contest in July 2011. The best prize was awarded for the diary from Turkey. Following this, we held the Eco Picture Diary Global Contest award ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, in February 2012. At this ceremony, Panasonic also reported its progress in the partnership with UNESCO for world heritage preservation and environmental education for the next generation.

Since November 2011, Panasonic Europe has been in partnership with World Vision, an international NGO that supports children, families, and communities on a world-wide scale.

One of the areas in Europe to which World Vision currently directs its support is Armenia. The country is facing environmental destruction that is ruining the country’s abundant and beautiful nature. In Armenia, Panasonic is supporting a project that promotes environmental awareness and better waste management. Through providing learning equipment and environmental lessons for children and young people, Panasonic continues to improve the quality of life for the future.