Panasonic Elevates' Panasonic Cares' in Year 2, Tackles Community Waste Pollution with Waste Separation Bins Distribution Program Kicked Off in Khon Kaen Province

Mr. Hidekazu Ito, CEO of Panasonic Group in Thailand, said, "For over a year, the Panasonic Group in Thailand has been implementing the CSR project called 'Panasonic Cares' in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across three key areas: Good Health & Well-Being, Quality Education, and Life on Land. The project involves various activities such as donating products to schools and hospitals, planting trees in collaboration with local communities, and supporting the health of employees and their families.

"This year, Panasonic has elevated its CSR initiative by incorporating two additional Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its framework: 'No Poverty,' which aims to improve the quality of life for low-income and vulnerable groups, and 'Responsible Consumption and Production.' The approach, aimed at creating sustainable well-being and reducing the destruction of natural resources, aligns with the Panasonic GREEN IMPACT, the Panasonic Group's global environmental mission, striving to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions across its value chain, from manufacturing to the delivery of recycled products to consumers, to minimize the issue of non-biodegradable waste by 2030.

"Our focus this year is on improving the quality of life, health, and well-being in communities by addressing urban garbage overflow. We are distributing 'sets of waste separation bins' nationwide, hoping it will be a starting point for young people to learn proper waste management, reduce urban waste problems, and maintain a pleasant environment, making communities more livable. The project is piloted by initially distributing the waste separation bins to educational institutions and communities across Khon Kaen Province, home to Panasonic Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Khon Kaen Branch, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Thailand. This activity demonstrates our gratitude to Thai society for the long-standing support for Panasonic and a concrete demonstration of our unwavering commitment to Environmental, Social, and Good governance (ESG) principles.

Consequently, the Panasonic Group in Thailand has led a team of executives and representatives of employees from the head office and Panasonic Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Khon Kaen Branch, in jointly delivering waste separation bin sets and energy-saving Panasonic LED light bulbs along with educating young people on proper waste separation to improve the community environment. Recipients include Banped Municipal School, Ban Nong Lub School, Ban Sri Than Municipal School, Ban Khok Si Khok Pia School, and Khon Kaen University. The plans include extending the project to other communities alongside other initiatives to enhance quality of life, health, and well-being nationwide.