Policy / Systems / Technology

August 8, 2003

 

Matsushita Electric (Panasonic) Early to Halt Use of Specified Hazardous Substances

Keywords: Chemicals Manufacturing industry Policy / Systems 

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., best known for its Panasonic brand, announced on June 19, 2003, that all of its group companies will halt the use of certain hazardous substances (lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, and specified bromine-based flame retardants [PBBs and PBDEs]), beginning with new products shipped in April 2005.

These six substances are specified by the European Union's Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (the RoHS Directive) that went into effect in 15 member states. The RoHS Directive will require manufacturers to ban the use of these substances in new products sold in EU countries from July 2006 onwards.

Matsushita decided on a global response because it expects that many nations outside the EU will adopt similar requirements to the Directive to restrict the use of the substances that have environmental impacts during product development. The company will halt its use of the specified substances one year earlier than required by the EU Directive.

To achieve its goals, the Matsushita group made it a company-wide project to create operating procedures to avoid the use of the hazardous substances, develop alternatives, and share expertise. The company will also revise its procurement standards to enhance the green procurement of parts and materials.



Posted: 2003/08/08 10:26:06 AM
Japanese version

 

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