'eco ideas' Factory at Thang Long Industrial Park, Vietnam, to cement Panasonic's commitment to environmental sustainability

Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct 16, 2012 - (ACN Newswire) - Panasonic Vietnam Group (including Panasonic Vietnam, Panasonic System Networks Vietnam, Panasonic Industrial Devices Vietnam) at Thang Long Industrial Park is launched as the model 'eco ideas' Factory in Vietnam. The manufacturing site produces eco-friendly products with sustainable industry practices and is utilised in outreach activities to raise the level of eco consciousness in the community. In line with Panasonic's vision of becoming the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the electronics industry by 2018, the 'eco ideas' Factory in Vietnam serves as a model factory and effectively integrates environmental contributions with business growth.

Panasonic Asia Pacific, headquarters for the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region, announced its regional 'eco ideas' Declaration in 2010 to promote the environmental sustainability initiatives of Panasonic and its commitment to contribute to a greener society. In line with this declaration, the Panasonic 'eco ideas' Factories in the region act as a platform to communicate Panasonic's 'eco ideas' commitments to external stakeholders and the community at large. The newly launched 'eco ideas' Factory in Vietnam will set the benchmark for the reduction of CO2 emission, waste generation and chemical substance usage in manufacturing facilities, enhancing recycle activities, thereby reducing environmental impact. The factory also seeks to raise awareness on environmental protection through collaboration with various organizations on programmes such as eco learning activities for youths.

At the launch event, Panasonic Vietnam Group organized factory tours for participating guests, including students. These tours enabled the guests to visualize and understand actual green manufacturing processes of this model 'eco ideas' Factory. In addition, an eco learning session was also conducted for the students so as to increase their understanding on the hot issue of the global climate change due to CO2 emission and stress the need for responsive actions.

Mr. Shinichi Wakita, General Director, Panasonic Vietnam Group, said at the press conference, "Environmental deterioration is prevalent not only in Vietnam, but also in many other parts of the world. The choice is ours to reduce the impact of this alarming trend and ensure environmental sustainability. 'eco ideas' and eco activities have been a core focus in Panasonic since 2007. We hope through the 'eco ideas' Factory and eco activities being conducted, Panasonic is able to play an effective role in changing mindsets and driving individuals to assume greater environmental responsibility in their communities."

Mr Nguyen Xuan Linh, Vice-Chairman of Hanoi Industrial and Export Processing Zones Authority, commented, "The environmental initiatives spearheaded by Panasonic are remarkable. Panasonic has demonstrated its strong commitment in contributing to the country's efforts in environmental protection. Indeed, the newly established 'eco ideas' Factory is a prime example of a manufacturer taking stewardship of its processes and products to mitigate any detrimental environmental impact. We hope such efforts will spur even more manufacturers to do the same."

Five Panasonic 'eco ideas' Factories have been set up in the Asia Pacific region thus far. In addition to Panasonic Vietnam Group at the Thang Long Industrial Park, Panasonic Asia Pacific has established Refrigeration Devices Company in Singapore, Home Appliances Company in Thailand, AVC (Audio Visual Components) Networks Company in Malaysia and Lighting Company in Indonesia. Panasonic Asia Pacific will next establish an 'eco ideas' Factory in India this December. By March 2013, Panasonic aims to have one 'eco ideas' Factory in each country with manufacturing sites in the region.

Panasonic Vietnam Group targets to reduce the CO2 emissions reduction per unit production this year and will continue to expand its corporate citizenship activities to incite environmental awareness amongst Vietnam's younger generation, through educational activities such as Kid Witness News, Eco Picture Diary contest and Panasonic Eco Learning Programme. The factory will look at increasing the participation in their educational programmes to 12,000 students by March 2014.

I. Overview of Panasonic Vietnam Group 'eco ideas' Factory's activities

- 'eco ideas' for Lifestyles -

The rest is here:

Panasonic Launches 'eco ideas' Factory in Vietnam