Event Coverage

Panasonic's Asia Pacific "Eco Ideas" Declaration

By Andy Sim & Wong Casandra - 7 Jun 2010

Eco Results and New Visions

Eco Results & Future Initiatives

Sales figures contributed by Panasonic's eco products doubled to 49% as of March this year, compared to 24% in March 2009. On that note, eco-friendly products such as air-conditioners are expected to experience a minor spike in retail prices, according to Mr Ikuo Miyamoto, Managing Director of Panasonic Asia Pacific. However, he hopes consumers would keep in mind the amount of energy-savings these eco products can similarly offer.

Secondly, instead of stopping at the predetermined target of 240,000 tons in CO2 emissions, Panasonic went on to reduce 290,000 tons between April 2007 and March 2010, thus exceeding the initial target with an excess of 50,000 tons. In addition, three model 'eco ideas' factories have also sprung up in Asia Pacific since, including an LCD TV plant in Malaysia, a home-appliance factory in Thailand, and a refrigeration compressor factory here in Singapore. 

On top of their ongoing ambitions, new objectives have been implemented with this year's declaration as well. Instead of going with a three-pronged approach, Panasonic has streamlined their green campaign into two categories; 'eco ideas' for Lifestyles and 'eco ideas' for Business-styles.

Singapore's role as regional headquarters will allow it to serve as a test-bad for select 'eco ideas' prior to launching them in the region. Nonetheless, 'eco idea' factories have been set for development by 2013 in other Asian countries.

The focus this year seem to be on utilizing social media as a vehicle to spread an eco-friendly lifestyle, particularly amongst youths.

Panasonic has streamlined their green campaign into two main categories - "eco ideas" for lifestyles and "eco ideas" for business styles. The former is aimed at delivering eco products to consumers and educating them on eco-learning programmes. The latter relates to initiatives such as the continued reduction of harmful CO2 emissions and construction of more eco factories in the Asia Pacific region.

The "Lifestyles" approach includes a "Make A Change" campaign, launched on popular social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube to generate eco awareness and the inculcation of eco habits amongst consumers. Under their Business-style perspective, Panasonic has raised the bar a little higher to 500,000 tons of CO2 emissions reduction to be met by March 2013. Additionally, the company is also planning to erect model factories in India, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines to promote their eco movement.

Incidentally, Panasonic's eco efforts are recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and the FTSE4Good index designed to evaluate a company's corporate responsibility standards. All said, it is commendable to witness Panasonic doing their part for the environment and making ecological efforts in sustaining the environment part of their corporate mission. As consumers, however, we can only hope that such a movement would bring forth more eco-friendly and affordable products in the future.

Part of a regional 'Make a Change' Campaign, users can log on to Facebook and participate in an eco advertisement design competition. The top three entries with the highest votes get a chance to bring back a Panasonic eco-friendly TV each. 

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