Panasonic Highlights Environmental Mission and Demonstrates Energy-Efficient Solution at EE Global

WASHINGTON, May 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic, exhibiting at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition 2010 (EE Global 2010), May 10-12 in Washington, DC, invites show attendees to booth #701 to learn more about the company's environmental vision and its energy-efficient products.  Panasonic Corporation of North America will also highlight its new Full HD 3D Home Theater System, allowing visitors to see award-winning Full HD 3D TV entertainment for the home, including examples of 3D programs from DIRECTV, which will launch three HD 3D channels in June 2010.

Panasonic aims to become the world's leading green innovations company in the electronics industry by 2018, the company's 100th Anniversary, through the development of energy efficient products which create, store, manage and save energy.  The company is exhibiting its solar panel, home and electric vehicle storage batteries, and home energy management system. Panasonic is the battery supplier to hybrid and electric vehicle brands from Toyota to Tesla.

Also as part of its EE Global 2010 booth, Panasonic is highlighting the company's environmentally-sound products, including power-sipping models from its 2010 home VIERA Plasma HDTV line, which use on average 40% less power than comparable 2009 models. The increased efficiency gains have been achieved through improved Plasma panel cell structures, discharge drives, phosphors, and other design changes. These new advances mean Panasonic's 42-inch class VIERA Plasma HDTV models will consume only 90-99 watts – less than a typical room lamp's 100-watt light bulb. Furthermore, all Panasonic VIERA Plasmas are lead-free and contain no mercury. The company will also show other energy-saving HDTVs, including a new 37-inch class LCD HDTV that uses only 73 watts, yet provides many advanced new features.

"Panasonic is pleased to be exhibiting at EE Global. We look forward to updating the industry about our energy-efficient products and demonstrating our energy story," said Peter Fannon, Vice President, Government & Corporate Affairs, Panasonic Corporation of North America.  "Panasonic has a commitment to energy conservation in its global operations and through its wide-range of products. This commitment is carefully factored into all manufacturing processes and that is helping us reach ever-more demanding sustainability goals."

As part of the company's energy vision, Panasonic will show a solar panel which turns the sun's rays into energy to produce electricity and hot water.  Residential lithium-ion storage batteries can be used in the home – or in electric and hybrid vehicles – to store this energy.  Panasonic will demonstrate how these solutions which create, store and save energy, can be integrated into a comprehensive "Home Energy Management System." This Home Energy Management System, which will increase energy efficiency by networking products and devices in the home, will help achieve lower-carbon-emissions and a more sustainable lifestyle.

Another exhibit will update visitors on the continuing, steady growth of Panasonic's nationwide electronics recycling program, which already provides more than 600 free drop-off sites across the country, making it convenient for consumers to properly recycle their Panasonic consumer electronics products. Built on the experience of many years of voluntary recycling events, Panasonic's nationwide recycling program began in 2007, and has expanded rapidly to now reach all fifty states. The company's new goal is to grow the drop-off network to include at least 800 drop-off sites by next year, with more sites to come.

To support recycling most effectively, Panasonic founded MRM (Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, LLC), together with Sharp and Toshiba, and in 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the joint venture the first-ever winner of the "Plug-In To eCycling TV Recycling Challenge" Award. The EPA called upon television manufacturers and electronics retailers to find creative ways to increase responsible recycling practices for end-of-life TVs. MRM was awarded the honor over other programs on the basis of its partnerships, innovation, longevity, consumer outreach, accessibility, pounds of TVs collected and ability to ensure that responsible recycling practices are followed. In making the award, the EPA cited MRM's "wide reach" and "different approaches to collecting TVs, including working with charities and self-storage units."

Since Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita first emphasized the importance of "environmentally conscious development" more than 40 years ago, Panasonic has actively focused on improving its overall eco performance and working to achieve high 'green' standards in its products. Among other exhibits, visitors will see examples of Panasonic's global 'eco ideas' environmental activities and learn more about the company's commitment to responsible environmental stewardship – in the U.S. and globally.  

About Panasonic

Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America markets a broad line of digital and other electronics products for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) of Osaka, Japan, and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com.  Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

SOURCE Panasonic