Illuminating Sustainability

Green Initiatives in Our Projector Business

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Our contribution to society and dedication to fostering a sustainable global environment are evident throughout our projector business.
Proactive initiatives to reduce resource usage, emissions, and waste throughout every stage of the product lifecycle demonstrate our steadfast commitment to these goals.

Procurement

Reduction of Hazardous Substances

Compliance with the RoHS Directive

When sourcing materials, Panasonic adheres to the RoHS directive, which restricts using ten specified substances. These substances comprise lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). Embracing these guidelines isn't just about upholding regulatory standards. It's paving the way for safer, more environmentally conscious products.

Eco-friendly Painting Processes

We've rethought the design of selected models' plastic parts, such as the projector enclosure. We achieved a paint-free design with these models by re-evaluating materials selection and implementing surface treatments such as texture processing. This helps to reduce our carbon footprint through a reduction in CO2 emissions associated with painting and underscores our will to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising on aesthetics or functionality.

 

Responsible Mineral Sourcing

Tracking Minerals, Changing Lives

With a keen awareness of the societal implications of mineral sourcing, Panasonic endeavors to source minerals with integrity. Our in-house mineral-sourcing investigation, bolstered by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI)-certified Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) program, aims to illuminate supply chain paths and ensure we're not inadvertently contributing to conflicts or illicit activities. We strive to ensure our business aligns with ethical mineral sourcing practices through due diligence and collaboration with our suppliers.

Production

Energy Conservation at Our Factories

Efficient Energy Management

Panasonic's energy conservation initiatives are driven by our collective determination to protect the environment while maintaining high-quality production. As part of the wider efforts of Panasonic Group to achieve net zero CO2 emissions for all group operating companies' business activities by 2030, Panasonic Connect, an operating company of the Panasonic Group, contributes to this ambitious objective in various ways. These include energy usage and wastage reduction toward our goal of carbon-neutral factory operations.

Improved Cleanroom Efficiency

Our primary focus is to decrease energy usage while maintaining production efficiency. For instance, in the context of large-scale clean rooms, substantial resources were necessary for their operation and maintenance. As a result, we conducted a process review, leading to the downsizing of certain clean rooms and the transition of some processes to open clean benches. This change limits the controlled conditions to the immediate workspace, substantially reducing resource consumption without compromising product quality. Additionally, we've made investments in upgrading our equipment to enhance energy efficiency throughout our production lines, ensuring that every step aligns with our sustainability goals.

Smart Energy Practices, Including Factory LED Lighting

Our commitment to minimizing our carbon footprint extends beyond the workday. We've implemented energy-saving strategies during off-hours, including nights and holidays, to reduce energy wastage during periods of lower activity. Furthermore, our factories are lit by efficient LED lighting, and we've implemented air-conditioning management in our cleanrooms and beyond to minimize energy waste.

Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs

Recycling of Plastic Components

Our commitment to energy efficiency complements our efforts to reduce waste and enhance resource utilization throughout our production processes. In the molding of plastic components, no waste goes unnoticed. Excess materials (such as runners, which are produced during the molding of plastic parts) are reprocessed and given new life. These recycled materials find purpose in applications such as reusable containers, highlighting our dedication to maximizing the potential of every resource.

Smart Packaging to Reduce Waste

We’re making inroads into reducing packing waste by transporting components with returnable boxes. Other changes, such as switching to a thinner stretch film to enhance pallet stability during transportation, further underscores our sustainable practices.

 

Sustainability Efforts at Our Facilities

Use of Recycled Paper

We are conscious of the environmental impact of our daily business operations. In addition to reducing paper usage by digitizing internal documentation, marketing materials, manufacturing manuals, and so on, we use recycled paper and collect and recycle any paper waste.

Efficient LED Lighting

LED lighting strips consume less than half the electricity of linear fluorescent and CFL bulbs and don't contain hazardous substances such as mercury. They also last more than twice as long as alternative products, reducing wastage and maintenance. Panasonic has transitioned to efficient LED lighting across all its manufacturing and non-manufacturing sites, a move that has made a significant contribution to our carbon-neutral ambitions.

 

ISO 14001-Certified Facilities

Driving Sustainability with EMS

Since fiscal 1999, the Panasonic Group has implemented Environmental Management Systems (EMS) across all its global manufacturing sites that are validated by ISO 14001 certification. This commitment extends to our projector business's manufacturing and development sites, which have also obtained ISO 14001 certification.

Distribution, Sales, and Installation

Smaller Products and Packaging: A Win for You, a Win for Earth

Illuminating Sustainability - Distribution - Smaller Products and Packaging- A Win for You, a Win for Earth

Smaller, Brighter Projectors = Fewer Units Needed

Smaller and brighter projectors often result in a reduction in the number of units required to achieve an equivalent brightness and coverage area. For example, our RQ50K 4K projector is twice as bright as the RQ32K with the same footprint, cutting the required units in half and significantly easing the logistical burden. At major events like the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, the RQ50K delivered 1.7 times more projection area than Rio 2016 using half the projectors. Our optional fisheye lens also expands coverage, enabling full-dome projection with just one projector and halving the number of units required to map images on large spheres. The drive to miniaturize reduces the storage, transport, installation, and setup resources, delivering substantial savings while shrinking our carbon footprint.

Illuminating Sustainability - Distribution - Smaller, Brighter Projectors = Fewer Units Needed

Smaller Cartons: Fewer Trips, Fewer Emissions

To boost efficiency, we've made improvements to our packaging materials for specific projector models. One key change involves replacing polystyrene with polyethylene foam inside the shipping carton. This allows us to downsize the carton without compromising its protective qualities. As a result, we can maximize loading capacity on trucks, trains, ships, and aircraft, leading to fewer trips and decreased CO2 emissions. Smaller cartons also improve warehouse space utilization. The benefits ripple through our distribution chain and dealer network to benefit end-users with less waste and enhanced practicality.

Illuminating Sustainability - Distribution - Smaller Cartons- Fewer Trips, Fewer Emissions

Streamlined Installation and Operation

 

Saving Time, Effort, and the Environment

Panasonic leads the way in sustainable entertainment production with unique features that simplify setup at the event site, streamline complex processes, and save time, labor, resources, and cost. With less need for large teams of installers, these solutions cut labor, time wastage, and energy consumption while boosting productivity. This dual impact underscores our dedication to both social progress and environmental well-being.

Illuminating Sustainability - Distribution - Saving Time, Effort, and the Environment

Function Highlights

Edge-blending via Camera

Select models compatible with Geometry Manager Pro software ship with preactivated upgrade kits that save time and labor. Among many time-saving capabilities is connecting a camera (sold separately) to a PC and automatically performing edge-blending adjustments and calibration.

 

Projection Angle Detection

Select models feature a gyro sensor that detects changes to the projector's body pitch and roll angles and displays the information graphically in the OSD settings menu. Installers no longer need assistance to check the projection angle as the body is adjusted, saving resources.

Note: Click here to identify models compatible with the functions mentioned on this page.

Lifetime Usage

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint Through Innovation

Illuminating Sustainability - Usage - Lower Consumption with Eco Features 1

Note: Function availability varies by model. The usage application example assumes that subsequent models released after the REZ12 maintain similar performance and specifications. Actual replacement times may vary based on usage patterns and conditions. Please consult the operating manual of specific models for more information.

1 Measurement, measuring conditions, and method of notation all comply with ISO/IEC 21118: 2020 international standards. Value is the average of all products when shipped.
2 Around this time, the light output will have decreased by approximately 50 %. IEC62087: 2008 Broadcast Contents, NORMAL Mode, Dynamic Contrast [3], temperature 35 °C (95 °F), elevation 700m (2,297 ft) with 0.15 mg/m3 of airborne particulate matter. Light-source lifetime may be reduced depending on environmental conditions. Replacement of parts other than the light source may be required in a shorter period. Estimated maintenance time varies depending on the environment.

Contributing to a Society United by Emotion

A Proud Supporter of the Olympic Games Since 1987

Sharing the spirit of the Olympic Charter, which aims to achieve world peace through sports, Panasonic has supported the Olympic Games as a Worldwide Partner since 1987 and the Paralympic Games since 2014. As the official audiovisual partner, we play a pivotal role in broadcasting these events to all corners of the world. Images of athletes striving to achieve their dreams, the passion of fans and supporters, and the marvel of all these sports provide fresh inspiration and happiness to people all over the world. Panasonic will continue to share passion with people and accelerate our progress toward realizing an ideal society through innovation. Learn more at our special website for the Olympic and Paralympic Games here.

Illuminating Sustainability - Usage - A Proud Supporter of the Olympic Games Since 1987 1

Disposal & Recycling

Adding Value to a Circular Economy

Sharing the Value of the Products We Make

Panasonic is committed to the concept of the circular economy, which seeks to promote sustainable economic growth by reducing continuous resource consumption. We contribute to this global movement by focusing on two main aspects: establishing circular economy businesses and advancing recycling-oriented manufacturing. Our initiatives, such as sharing services and product-as-a-service, aim to maximize resource efficiency and customer value.

Global Initiatives for Used Product Recycling

Amid a global drive for efficient resource use towards a circular economy, most countries have enacted recycling laws and systems for consumer and professional electronics. Examples include Japan's Home Appliance Recycling Law, the European Union's WEEE Directive, and recycling regulations in the United States and China. Panasonic aligns with these efforts by establishing tailored recycling systems in accordance with local infrastructure and regulations, often collaborating with third parties. Complying with the Basel Convention and local laws, we focus on efficient recycling, natural resource preservation, and pollution prevention.

Maximizing the Use of Recyclable Materials

We strive to design products that are easily recyclable, with the aim of minimizing our environmental impact. Our product designs incorporate as many reusable materials as possible, such as steel and plastic, with some of our products featuring up to 80% recyclable materials. We remain focused on developing materials with a lower environmental footprint and continuously improving our sustainable manufacturing practices.

Extending the Projector's Lifespan

Greater Longevity with Optional Accessories

Laser projectors support maintenance-free projection for about 20,000 hours, equivalent to a decade of daily use for eight hours over five workdays. In fact, these projectors often outlast the spatial designs of entertainment attractions, which are updated periodically. Panasonic's solution lies in a diverse range of optional lenses, mounts, and function boards for selected models. These accessories allow users to adapt compatible projectors to suit different applications without necessitating a full unit replacement. When an upgrade is due, these accessories can often transition to the next model, curbing resource waste and minimizing costs. Panasonic's modular design prolongs projector life and promotes sustainability and cost-effectiveness in business, education, and entertainment settings.

Note: At around 20,000 hours, the light output will have decreased by approximately 50 %. Varies depending on the projector specification, settings, and operating conditions. Refer to individual product specifications for details. Light-source lifetime may be reduced depending on environmental conditions. Replacement of parts other than the light source may be required in a shorter period. Estimated maintenance time varies depending on the environment.