Panasonic looks to extend recycling programme for more items

Consumer durables firm Panasonic today said it is looking at expanding its recycling programmes for other products, besides television in India in line with its global strategy to be a complete green company by 2018.

The company's Indian arm Panasonic India had started recycling television voluntarily this year.

"Going forward, we plan to start for other products as well. This initiative is part of our aim to become a green company by 2018," Panasonic India Director Arjun Balakrishnan told reporters here.

He, however, did not give a time frame when the company will launch the recycling programmes for other products, including home appliances as it is currently awaiting approval from the parent.

Panasonic had launched the initiative in March this year in Chennai and Bangalore and is looking to extend it to Mumbai, Hyderabad and Delhi.

As part of the programme in India, the company has tied up with the Bangalore-based E-Parisaraa Pvt Ltd for recycling its products while Panasonic exclusive outlets have been used as collecting points for old televisions.

The company said it is planning to launch of series of awareness programmes across the country and has roped in Bollywood actress Dia Mirza particularly for it.

Besides, the company said it is looking expanding its product range from Sanyo in the country, as it plans to tap the volume segment and achieve a turnover of Rs 3,200 crore by this fiscal.

"There is a lot of synergy between Panasonic and Sanyo in terms of technology and products. We will be introducing a slew of products, including refrigerators and soft drinks cooler by early next year," he said.

At present, Panasoinc sells batteries, projectors and solar lanterns from the Sanyo brand. The company had bought out the Sanyo Corp in a $9 billion deal last year.