Aiming to reduce our usage of petroleum-derived resins, the Panasonic Group has developed a high-performance plant-based material in the form of a cellulose fiber resin we call kinari.

By extracting plant fibers (cellulose) from forestry thinnings and other hitherto-discarded plant resources and mixing them with resin at high density using our enhanced proprietary technology, we can leverage the properties of the raw materials to create a material with a wood-like texture and scent that can be processed into complex shapes. Through collaborative efforts with companies, local government bodies and other parties, this cellulose fiber resin is now being utilized in environmentally responsible products like reusable cups and buttons.

Targeted at the European and North American markets, Panasonic's MULTISHAPE Series Modular Personal Care System is thoughtfully designed to use minimal resources.
It's a single device for which five detachable heads are available, covering a range of grooming functions including tooth-brushing, facial hair clipping and trimming. A customer doesn't have to purchase all five heads: instead, he or she can select only the ones needed. Also, because all five heads are powered by a single main unit, the product weighs about 60% less than conventional models.

At the official Panasonic online store in Japan, we're implementing an important part of our circular approach to manufacturing. We refurbish products returned by customers to a reusable state and then resell them. Only those items that meet high quality standards of Panasonic factories are offered to our customers.​

Under a partnership with Lawson, the Panasonic Group is refurbishing stores in Chongqing, Shanghai, and other areas, rolling out a re-use service, and striving to reduce building waste. The Lawson store opened in Nanjing in July 2020 generated significantly less building waste thanks to prefabricated construction and material recycling. The same kind of stores have also been built in Shenyang and Tianjin.

To reduce the waste of resources generated in the factory manufacturing process, the Panasonic Group is working to build up expertise and systems to use factory offcuts as-is as much as possible, and upcycle them into attractive products.

This offcut utilization ecosystem development project adopts a three-pronged approach, focusing on data utilization, a secondary-use ecosystem, and collaboration with creators to transform offcuts from synthetic marble used for kitchen counters and other items into new products. Using this initiative as a model case, we aim to create a new resource life cycle.

In response to the growing interest in ethical consumption or in other words, environmentally responsible consumer behavior, the Panasonic Group is working on adopting paper-based packaging that reduces environmental impact while still being user-friendly. Our first step in this direction was the introduction of environmentally responsible packaging for some models of our EVOLTA NEO dry cell batteries in October 2021. Since April 2023, we have been rolling out environmentally responsible packaging for a broader range of models.

Our adoption of environmentally responsible packaging for our eneloop rechargeable nickel hydride batteries has reduced the amount of packaging materials used by between 38 and 70%¹ compared with conventional blister packaging. By rolling out environmentally responsible packaging across the lineup, we will achieve an annual reduction of approximately 5.7 tons of plastic and 21.5 tons of paper, adding up to a total of approximately 27 tons of packaging materials.