(WIESBADEN, Germany--October 10, 2008) Panasonic Europe, a 100% daughter company of Panasonic Corporation, Japan, is pleased to announce the European targets for its 'eco ideas' initiative.
A year ago, Panasonic announced its global environmental strategy. Panasonic is now making a statement of eco intent in Europe by announcing a new strategy across the continent in which it is committing to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 6,000 tons (by the end of March 2010, based on the level at the end of March 2007) — enough to fill the Panasonic factory in Cardiff, Wales twice over or take more than 2,000 cars off the road (based on Energy Saving Trust estimate of 2.9 tonnes annual CO2 emissions per car). At the same time Panasonic is committing to launch 20 new industry-leading products by spring 2010.
The new commitments for Europe reflect Panasonic's "eco ideas" declaration that focuses on three key areas: producing energy efficient products, featuring the new "eco ideas" label; reducing CO2 emissions at all manufacturing sites; and encouraging the spread of environmental activities for employees as well as customers. CO2 emission reductions have also become one of the key management indicators, impacting directly on executive bonuses.
Study Supports Green Mindset of Consumers
Research recently conducted for Panasonic found that over a third of European consumers claim to make a conscious effort to help the environment. One in eight said that they would always choose the environmentally friendly brand given the option; and 36% said they would be prepared to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products.
Yoshiiku Miyata, CEO of Panasonic Europe, comments: "At Panasonic, we are not interested in making promises we cannot keep. What we are interested in is achieving sustainable change that will make a real difference to the global environment in the twenty-first century. At its foundation Panasonic placed the role it plays in society at the core of its business and the modern business has retained the same philosophy. As early as 1918 the product which launched our founder, Konosuke Matsushita, into consumer electronics was actually made from recycled materials. Ninety years on, I am delighted to be able to announce the action we'll be taking to deliver against the 'eco ideas' strategy set-out last October in Japan."
The European "eco ideas" declaration breaks down in the following three areas:- "eco ideas" for Products
Panasonic in Europe commits to 20 Superior Green Products by the end of their Financial Year 2010. The Superior Green Products are defined by Panasonic as those achieving the industry's top environmental performance. The "eco ideas" label will allow consumers to easily identify such industry leading products.
Panasonic designers carry out an "Environmental Product Assessment" on all new products to identify and improve environmental performance, based on the 3Rs principle — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle — to ensure effective utilisation of resources and chemical management as well as striving to reduce energy consumption.
- "eco ideas" for Manufacturing
In 2007, around 50% of Panasonic's European sales have been made through products that were manufactured in Europe. As for "eco ideas for manufacturing", Panasonic set an ambitious goal for all its production in Europe. 17 of Panasonic's 294 manufacturing companies are located in Europe, where a target has been set to cut CO2 emissions by 10%, or over 6,000 tons, by March 2010 through its "Clean Factory" programme — while continuously increasing the production.
The Panasonic "Clean Factory" programme is a core initiative to reduce CO2 emissions across its manufacturing functions. This accreditation scheme grades factories based on three mandatory performance targets: CO2 emissions, waste/recycling, and chemicals as well as one voluntary performance target for water consumption.
- "eco ideas" for Everybody, Everywhere
A key part of Panasonic Europe's environmental strategy is to spread eco activities and behaviour to local communities as well as employees. As part of its commitment to the environment and to society, Panasonic is announcing today it has committed to a sponsorship of WWF's Arctic Programme.
Panasonic staff across Europe are also leading by example and undertaking their own environmental projects as part of a global green "relay" of eco activity. The relay will see a variety of activities taking place including numerous car free days across Europe, a "Lights Out" campaign in Wales, and voluntary litter-picking and a drawing competition for children of employees in Hungary. Each initiative shares the common objective of making a tangible difference, aiming to create a ripple effect to inspire employees and Panasonic customers to do their bit for the environment.
Pelham Morgan, Environmental Officer at Panasonic Manufacturing Company in Cardiff, says: "The eco relay is a great opportunity for us to involve all our staff and get our hands dirty at the grassroots level as well as raising awareness of the new 'eco ideas' targets we're all working towards in Europe. We're looking forward to turn 'eco ideas' into eco action that will ensure we achieve lasting change to create a truly sustainable future for everyone."
For further information about the Panasonic "eco ideas" and its most recent Environmental Data Book, see www.panasonic.net/eco. More information is also available at www.panasonic-broadcast.com
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