Ways of Thinking about Biodiversity
Our social lives and business activities are based on various benefit provided by the natural capital (NCP: Nature's contributions to people). It has been recognized that conservation of biodiversity is as important as measures for climate change and resource recycling and they are closely linked each other in establishing a society where humans and nature coexist in harmony which is a long-term vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
In December 2022, "the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)" was agreed in the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) held in Montreal.
Aiming to achieve the 2050 Vision for 'a world living in harmony with nature', the framework covers the 2030 mission, which aims to 'take urgent action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.'
The international targets to achieve a nature-positive world by 2030 are 'the GBF targets' and 23 action-oriented global targets were determined in the COP15.
As the biodiversity goal in our GREEN IMPACT PLAN 2024 (GIP2024), we set targets to reduce the impact from business activities on the ecosystem for its recovery, aiming at a nature positive world as a front runner.
Twenty-three targets designed to achieve the 2030 Nature Positive Initiative goals were announced at the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
As part of our biodiversity conservation under the GREEN IMPACT PLAN 2024+1 (GIP 2024+1), we will continue working on reducing the impact of business activities on the ecosystem and restoring it to a nature positive state.
Three Targets in GIP2024+1
| Targets | SDGs | |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable procurement of raw materials | Promote sustainable procurement of wood and paper, etc. | 12,13,15,17 |
| Utilization of greenery in business sites (land use) | Utilize greenery in business sites, considering conservation of biodiversity | 13,15,17 |
| Products and services | Offer products and services that contribute to conservation of conservation | 11,12,15,17 |
Promoting awareness in the Group and actions related to the TNFD
In fiscal 2025, we organized the Nature Positive Working Group under the Sustainable Management Promotion Consortium to promote greater understanding and awareness of biodiversity and the Nature Positive initiative. In August 2024, we organized a lecture featuring a specialist guest speaker, followed by a panel discussion with Group CTO Tatsuo Ogawa. In addition, monthly workshops are held to report on internal activities related to biodiversity and the Nature Positive initiative and to share the latest developments in the area with employees throughout the Group, including R&D divisions and various operating companies.
At the same time, a LEAP analysis of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) is being conducted, examining the contact points between business activities and natural capital, including biodiversity and water and analyzing various scenarios for dependency and influence and risk and opportunities. See This Page for the TNFD.
The Green Impact Plan that is reviewed and revised every three years is equivalent to the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) under the Convention on Biological Diversity
Initiatives for Sustainable Procurement of Raw Materials
Firstly, we plan to include our consideration for biodiversity protection in Procurement Department's "Green Procurement Standards" to ensure that these practices are carried out across our whole supply chain.
In regard to procurement for wood, we discussed extensively with Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Japan over our green procurement; and formulated the "Panasonic Group Green Procurement Guidelines for Wood" aiming for conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources in 2010. Based on these guidelines, we conduct an annual survey on wood material procurement among our suppliers.
In fiscal 2022, we exchanged opinions about sustainable material procurement with WWF Japan. In the discussion with WWF Japan, we confirmed growing importance of environmental and social (human rights) considerations, in addition to importance of compliance with laws and regulations for our timber procurement. This discussion also gave us an opportunity to think about future measures.
Exclusion of timbers and wood materials whose regulatory compliance in their logging has not been confirmed (Category 3)
The survey results in fiscal 2025 are as follows.
Green Procurement Guidelines for Wood Consulted and Formulated with WWF
Activities for Land Use
Once an ecological network that connects greenery in our business divisions, neighboring woodlands and parks is formed, living things such as birds, butterflies, and dragonflies in each area can move around wider areas for flowers and water through the ecological networks, and their habitats are expanded. Green areas in our business divisions have a lot of potential to contribute to conserving biodiversity in that area.
In particular, hardly any natural environments where wild animals can live and breed remain in urban areas. Therefore, even small areas of green in corporate premises can become a precious habitat of a variety of living things if they have indigenous vegetation and a watery environment.
Acquisition of Eco-Certification Based on Quantitative Evaluation from an external accredited body
Panasonic Corporation's Living Appliances and Solution Company's (LAS) Kusatsu site in Shiga Prefecture, obtained an eco-certificate from the Association for Business Innovation in harmony with Nature and Community (ABINC)*1 in March 2018, as a business site for its contribution to biodiversity. In the course of assessment, we received high ratings for how we are making green corridors to be suited to diversified living creatures by appropriately conserving the natural environment, keeping invasive non-native species under proper management by continuously monitoring to understand their status, and the active use of woodland nearby the factory, in liaison with external eco-related organizations and local people, such as the local public bodies and primary school students.
In the monitoring survey we have conducted since 2011, 840 species of flora and fauna were confirmed. At the same time, the survey result has indicated that the woodland is an important biotope in the area where urbanization is taking place, which contributes to the formation of local ecological networks. In addition, our continuing implementation of the environmental learning program on acorns for elementary school students was highly evaluated; and won an Award of Excellence in the 2nd ABINC award held in January 2020, as an 'activity contributing to the biodiversity mainstreaming'.
Starting in October 2024, we have been conducting an academic study and joint research on biodiversity conservation in the Forest of Coexistence in collaboration with Kyoto University and Osaka Sangyo University. Presently, we are studying and researching the forest growth process to understand the impact over a wide area including the surrounding environment.
In December 2024, a research exchange was held between the Kyoto University Field Science Education and Research Center and Panasonic Holdings. At the meeting, we exchanged opinions on integrating Panasonic's technologies with knowledge and information in the field of ecology to further contribute to biodiversity and to discover research themes that will lead to new business developments.
We gave three presentations on our collaborative research on the Forest of Coexistence at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of Japan held in March 2025. We are moving forward with activities that foster an understanding of ecosystems in the Sustainable Forest that serve as urban green space.
[Related link]
<External certifications and awards>
- Acquired three stars under the Shiga Biodiversity Action Certification Program (2018)*2
- Acquired ABINC certification (March 2018) ; the first certification renewal (February 2021) and the second certification renewal (February 2024)
- Received an Award of Excellence in the 2nd ABINC Awards (January 2020)
*1 ABINC is a certification system by third-party evaluation on greenery improvement and management at business divisions based on the land use score (biodiversity quantitative assessment tool in environmental assessment) and Guidelines for Sustainable Business Sites developed by the Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity (JBIB).
*2 Shiga Biodiversity Action Certification Program is the first system in Japan for rating wide range of activities conducted by business enterprises in the area of biodiversity conservation with 1 to 3 stars granted by governor.
<Participation in international activities 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity>
In March 2022, we joined the 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity which is a global efforts and initiated by Japan's Ministry of the Environment (MoE), to conserve at least 30% of own land as natural environmental area, and at least 30% of own ocean by 2030, as we believed our natural symbiosis woods `Forest of Coexistence' would contribute to the 30by30.
In October 2023, our `Forest of Coexistence' was officially certified as `Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites' by the MoE. It is currently listed in the international database as an OECM(*3).
*3 OECM: Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure Areas other than national parks and other already protected areas that would contribute to biodiversity protection, such as shrine or temple woodlands, woodlands owned by companies or which form part of company premises, rural village zones, etc. Japan's 30by30 would include national parks and other protected areas.
"Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites" certification logo mark
ABINC Certification
Three-star rating in Shiga Biodiversity Action Certification Program
SHIGA PREF. BIODIVERSITY
Initiatives for Products and Services
Products that Help Reduce Food Waste
CV-type refrigerators, etc.
CV-type refrigerators are equipped with a refrigerator AI camera*4 as a standard function. The camera takes photos of the shelves, door pockets, and vegetable and freezer compartments of the refrigerator, allowing you to see what's inside the refrigerator from the outside. This can help you avoid buying ingredients twice or forgetting to buy something. The AI also automatically recognizes the types of vegetables and the date of arrival from images in the vegetable compartment to support food management. Furthermore, it contributes to the reduction of food waste by proposing recipes that match the ingredients that should be used.
In addition, by linking with our dedicated "Live Pantry" app, you can use the "Power outage preparation mode," which automatically starts pre-cooling operation when a weather warning such as a storm or blizzard warning is received. This function extends cooling time in the event of a power failure approximately twice as long as it would conventionally last, improving the shelf life of food.
If you have a compatible refrigerator model, it is also possible to install a separately sold refrigerator AI camera later.
*4 This product has been selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of its FY2024 Model Projects for Reducing Household Food Waste through Changing Consumer Behavior.
Microwave convection ovens
It is difficult for cafes and other restaurants to expand their light meal take-out menus due to problems such as sales forecasting difficulties, food waste, and labor shortages. Panasonic, in collaboration with Pasco Shikishima Corporation (Pasco), has developed a special cooking program and menu. We are offering food solutions for restaurants by combining our microwave convection ovens with Pasco's baked then frozen breads and pastries. Our original technology eliminates the natural thawing process, which normally takes about two hours, and produces fresh-baked deliciousness in a short amount of time straight from the frozen state. This eliminates the need to defrost bread in advance based on the predicted number of visitors, contributing to the reduction of food waste.
Automatic measuring IH rice cooker
This product incorporates our proprietary measuring and IoT technologies, and is the first in the industry to realize a fully automated process from measuring and pouring rice and water to cooking the rice. In addition, by linking with the dedicated app, you can set the amount of rice cooked (from 0.5 to 2 cups, in units of 0.5 cups) and the time the rice should finish cooking, all while out of the house. This dramatically reduces the time and effort involved in cooking rice, including measuring rice and water, and can handle sudden schedule changes. Cooking only the necessary amount of rice and finishing up the freshly cooked rice also contributes to reducing food loss. In addition, by proposing a style that encourages the rice to all be eaten, this model does not include a heat retaining function, resulting in energy savings of approximately 65% compared to standard 2-cup rice cookers.
Other products that contribute to biodiversity
Floor Board Substrate Made of 100% Recycled Wood from Construction Waste
Panasonic Housing Solutions Co., Ltd. is working to reduce usage of natural resources to conserve forests. Sustainable Board is a new eco-conscious product that uses 100% recycled wooden material (excluding glue) made from construction waste that would normally be discarded and unused materials that are difficult to handle and deemed as unusable. High-density processing achieves a high level of hardness, makes it resistant to scratches and dents, and suitable for use with chairs with casters and heavy furniture. In addition, the unique interconnecting shape was designed to improve workability, and a portion of sales is donated to forest improvement in Gunma Prefecture, contributing to environmental protection.
Development of World's First Fiber Board Made from Oil Palm Waste*5
In March 2022, we announced the world's first technology to produce fiber board from oil palm waste as PALM LOOP*6 and started market testing in the domestic furniture area. In fiscal 2025, we will start activities to roll out the technology across the world, based in Malaysia where oil palm wastes are supplied.
- We can contribute to reducing methane gas and other GHG generated by decaying oil palm waste.
- We can effectively use unused waste materials as a substitute for wood amid the depletion of forest resources.
- We can prevent deforestation to create new farming areas through utilization of waste material.
We will contribute to alleviating global warming by reducing 'GHG emissions' and preventing 'deforestation'.
*5 Based on our research as of March 2022.
*6 PALM LOOP™ is a trade mark of Panasonic Corporation.
Cellulose fiber resin "kinari": Development of a marine biodegradable cellulose fiber molding material
The MoE officially announced its Transition Strategies toward a Nature Positive Economy in March 2023. Our cellulose fiber resin 'kinari' (55 - 90% natural fiber content) was featured in the collection of reference materials titled "Case studies: Upcycling biomass (including wastes) and other materials to replace plastics." provided in the announcement.
In 2025, we developed a marine biodegradable material that can be decomposed into water and CO2 by microorganisms in the ocean. (Acquired the Marine Biodegradable Biomass Plastic mark* certified by the Japan BioPlastics Association)
Mold sample of 'kinari'
"Bio-CO2 transformation" that stimulates and helps plant growth (product name: Novitek)
Panasonic Holdings Corporation (PHD) is developing "Novitek, " a biostimulant*7 that utilizes biomolecules to promote plant growth. By applying the photosynthetic functionality of cyanobacteria to produce biomolecules made from CO2 as a raw material and then spraying those on the leaves of agricultural crops, Novitek can increase yields and promote growth. This effect has been demonstrated on farmland throughout the country. For example, there has been a confirmed increase in spinach yields of 40.9%. Currently, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., one of our partner companies, has been conducting evaluations on actual farms since April 2025 with the aim of introducing Novitek to the market. PHD is cooperating in this effort, contributing to sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
(*7) "Biostimulant" is a general term for various substances and microorganisms that provide plants and soil with better physiological conditions.
![1. Bio-CO<sub>2</sub> Transformation, 2. Light Air (CO<sub>2</sub>) Water Inorganic nutrients, 3. Outer membrane-deficient cyanobacteria, 4. Organic molecule groups that stimulate and help plant growth, 5. Molecules that stimulate plant growth [Sprayed on leaf surfaces], 6. Size increase +49%, 7. Corn (Hyogo), 8. Yield increase +44%, 9. Tomatoes (Shiga) Leaves sprayed five times, 10. Yield increase +40.9%, 11. Spinach (Fukuoka) Leaves sprayed twice](/content/dam/holdings/global/en/corporate/sustainability/environment/biodiversity/eco-biodiversity_031.png)
- Bio-CO2 Transformation
- Light
Air (CO2)
Water
Inorganic nutrients - Outer membrane-deficient cyanobacteria
- Organic molecule groups that stimulate and help plant growth
- Molecules that stimulate plant growth
[Sprayed on leaf surfaces] - Size increase +49%
- Corn (Hyogo)
- Yield increase +44%
- Tomatoes (Shiga) Leaves sprayed five times
- Yield increase +40.9%
- Spinach (Fukuoka) Leaves sprayed twice
Efforts in packaging materials
Our Group is working to reduce the use of polystyrene foam and plastic in product packaging. While this is not currently supported for all products, we are starting to phase in these changes with some products. In the future, we will utilize the knowledge gained through these efforts to develop new products.
Panasonic Corporation Products
Drum Washing Machine Example
[Japanese model] NA-LX129D
| Eliminated polystyrene foam packaging through pulp mold development*8 *8 Through simulations at the design stage and tests using actual machines, we developed a pulp mold capable of transporting large products weighing over 80 kg. This makes it possible to eliminate polystyrene foam packaging for large home appliances. |
[Reference] Association for Electric Home Appliances product introduction: 2024-13.pdf
Microwave Oven Example
[European model] NN-DF38
| "ZERO PLASTIC PACKAGING" Full elimination of plastic packaging using pulp mold and non-woven fabric (natural material). |
Product information: NN-DF38
Cleaner Example
[Japanese model] MC-NS10KE
| Eliminated polystyrene foam packaging by reducing the use of plastic cushioning materials |
Product information: MC-NS10KE
| [MC-PB60J] Won an award with the "JAPAN PACKAGING CONTEST 2024" GOOD PACKAGING "Eco-Friendly Package for Stick Type Vacuum Cleaner" • Tapeless sealing of the outer packaging • Use of cardboard as a cushioning material and reducing the amount of cardboard used • Reducing volume through an improved layout |
[Reference] MC-PB60J package introduction by the Japan Packaging Institute: Japan Packaging Contest 2024
Hair Dryer Example
[Japanese model] EH-NAOJ-H
| Pulp molding reduces plastic use by approximately 95%*9 |
*9 Comparison of plastic consumption in total packaging materials with our EH-NA0J-A launched in 2022 (in-house research)
Product information: EH-NAOJ-H
Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd. Products
Television Example
[Japanese model] TH-32J300
| Uses folded corrugated cardboard as a cushioning material to absorb impacts during transportation, eliminating polystyrene foam Approximately 71% reduction in amount of plastic materials used in packaging |
(In-house research)
Product information: TH-32J300 (There is no package introduction on this product site.)
Single-lens Camera Example
[Japanese model] LUMIX DC-S1RM2
| Eliminated plastic packaging and reduced amount of packaging materials used |
- Reduced the number of packaging parts by 70% compared to the previous model
- Reduced the amount of plastic material used by 95%
- Pulp mold and bamboo materials are used to reduce environmental impact
- Reduced the amount of paper and corrugated cardboard used by 67%
- Reduced the volume of individual packaging boxes by 36% compared to the previous model
- Universal USB cable and AC adaptor not included
(Compared with previous model DC-S1R, in-house research)
Product information: DC-S1RM2
Conservation of Biodiversity through Collaboration with and Support for NGOs, NPOs and Venture Corporation
Introduction of MSC-ASC certified sustainable seafood at employee canteens
The Panasonic Group has been involved in marine protection activities*10 for some 20 years through collaboration with WWF Japan. Main activity at present is continual supply of MSC and ASCcertified*11 sustainable seafood*12 to employees' cafeterias that started for the first time in Japan at Panasonic headquarters in March 2018. For now, the situation remains difficult for the activity, e.g., some cafeterias had started serving sustainable seafood forced to stop serving the sustainable seafood due to the decreased number of employees using cafeterias as the number of employees working from home increased, and impact of price hike. As difficulties continued, sustainable seafood was introduced to the Panasonic Group sites this year, making an accumulated total of 57 sites. We are also promoting new initiatives such as providing MSC-certified clams to employees' cafeterias, starting with the Yellow Sea Ecoregion Support Project*13. As for our continued support for other companies adoption of sustainable seafood into their cafeterias, the running total of the cafeterias of partner companies using sustainable seafood has exceeded 50, making more than 100 when combined with our group's accumulated total. In addition to corporate cafeterias, Yokohama City University COOP has obtained the MSCASC certification with the Panasonic Group's support and corporation, and started serving the sustainable seafood at the university cafeteria for the first time in Japan's university in 2022. Sustainable seafood is now creating a new trend and is expanding its market.
By expanding availability of sustainable seafood such as serving it at corporate cafeterias, conducting awareness-raising activities periodically and continuously for employees and the next generation about sustainable seafood and the IUU fishing issues*14 , and facilitating transformation of behaviors of our employees and the public at large as consumers through communication via media, and the like, we contribute to `SDG 14: Life below Water'and promotes to make the topic of biodiversity mainstream.
Cumulative total of sites offering the menu exceeded 50
Fried oysters using Japan's first ASC-certified
oysters from Togura in Minamisanriku, which
the Group also supported.
<External awards>
- Champion in the Initiative Category of the 1st Japan Sustainable Seafood Awards (November 2019)
*10 Including supports for the conservation of the tidal flats in Ariake Sea (2001 to 2006) the Yellow Sea Ecoregion (2007 to 2015), and the reconstruction of aquaculture industry in environmentally friendly manner at Minami Sanriku, Tohoku (2014 to current).
*11 MSC certification is certified by Marine Stewardship Council for sustainably and properly managed fisheries. ASC certification is certified by Aquaculture Stewardship Council for responsible fish farming to minimize environmental load on the environment and society.
*12 Seafood that has been certified sustainable production with MSC and ASC certification and managed under CoC certification*15
*13 To conserve the nature of the Yellow Sea, a global diversity treasure, WWF Japan launched the “Yellow Sea Ecoregion Conservation Program" in April 2002, and in September 2007 the “Yellow Sea Ecoregion Support Project" started with the support of then Panasonic Corporation
*14 IUU fishing issues: Fishing that is illegal, unreported and unregulated. It is one of the international issues that threaten the effectiveness of resources management.
*15 CoC is the acronym for Chain of Custody. Certification on securing management and traceability in processing, distribution, and marketing.
Tackling social issues through collaboration with venture businesses
Panasonic Holdings Corporation (PHD) and SEA VEGETABLE COMPANY have concluded a joint demonstration agreement aimed at resolving social issues such as biodiversity conservation, the food supply problem and CO2 reduction through seaweed cultivation.
This project combines PHD's robotics and IoT technologies with the seaweed cultivation technology at SEA VEGETABLE for a collaborative review of its feasibility, aimed at reducing the environmental impact and stabilizing food supplies. Starting from November 26, 2024, PHD began offering seaweed cultivated by SEA VEGETABLE at their employee cafeteria.
PHD is also engaging in activities designed to communicate to employees the current state of biodiversity and the problems found in the marine industry, as well as promoting behavioral changes and a greater understanding of the Nature Positive initiative.
Promotion of activities for conservation of biodiversity around the world through NGOs and NPOs
Continuing protecting satoyama and rivers through citizen networks
The Panasonic Group companies located in Japan, and their labor unions and retiree association conduct a variety of environmental protection activities as Panasonic ECO RELAY Japan (PERJ) in a one team.
Since its foundation in October 2010, PERJ has been working with a variety of stakeholders*16 to conserve local environments through efforts such as Hirakata City Hotani Satoyama Conservation Activity; Tanba Sasayama City Unitopia Sasayama Satoyama Revitalization Activity; Kadoma City Eco Network Activity; and Osaka City Yodo River and Johoku Wand*17 Conservation Activity. During these years, we have received the following awards in recognition of our contribution to nurturing the next generation to act for the environment under collaborations with local companies, universities, and citizen groups. In our work to contribute to a sustainable global environment and society, we will continue activities that lead to the conservation of biodiversity and satoyama focusing on 'forests', 'greenery areas' and 'water'.
<External awards>
- Hirakata City Environment Award (February 2018)
- Biodiversity Action Grand Prize (December 2018)
- Kadoma City Environment Award (February 2019)
- Osaka City Environment Award (February 2020)
Unitopia Sasayama Satoyama
Revitalization Activity
In October 2024, Japan's Ministry of the Environment certified the Unitopia Sasayama Satoyama Revitalization Area, which volunteers have been working to restore since 2012, as the "Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites." (This is the second such designation the Panasonic Group has received, following certification of the Sustainable Forest on the Kusatsu site.) The Woodland Revitalization Activity is managed for biodiversity conservation, utilizing the woodland environment located inside the corporate recreation area. The principal features of the area that led to certification are the presence of diverse biota, including rare species, its use as a venue for environmental education and installation of a monitoring system.
We will continue working together with local communities on activities that lead to the conservation of biodiversity and satoyama with a focus on forests, greenery areas and water, as well as nature education activities, that contribute to the creation of a sustainable global environment and social development.
*16 Wand is terrain just like a small pond surrounded by river structures, although Wand is connected to a mainstream of the river. Wand provides stable habitats for fish and other aquatic life, and at the same time, it is breeding grounds for a variety of plants.
*17 Collaborating with numerous stakeholders, including NPOs, citizen groups, universities, administrative bodies, local governments, research institutes, corporations, and local farmers.
Participation in Biodiversity Initiatives
The Panasonic Group participates in biodiversity initiatives and related industry organizations, as shown below. This is to accurately understand biodiversity policies in Japan and global trends concerning biodiversity, such as 23 targets for 2030 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted at COP15 (UN Biodiversity Conference), TNFD, and SBTN through study meetings. We feed these domestic and global policies back into Panasonic Group businesses and assess opportunities and risks.
<Membership and Participation>
- TNFD Forum member
- Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation
- Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity (JBIB)
- Biodiversity Conservation Committee of the Japan Association of Industries and Environment
- Biodiversity Working Group of four Electrical and Electronic Industry Associations*18
Additionally, Panasonic Holdings Corporation has been a member of the Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA) to accelerate innovation in solving marine plastic waste issues.
*18 Four industry associations: The Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association (JEMA), Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), Communications and Information Network Association of Japan (CIAJ), and Japan Business Machine and Information System Industries Association (JBMIA).
