Appliances under 45kg shipped in Australia, from Microwaves to LUMIX cameras are free of moulded expanded polystyrene packaging (EPS)
Panasonic Australia has reinforced its leadership in reducing environmental impact by eliminating the use of EPS in protective packaging for freight of small appliances such as Microwaves, Rice Cookers and Bread Makers as well as LUMIX Cameras, Technics headphones and Personal Care products.
This action is in line with regulations that came into effect in Western Australia this year that required the elimination of Moulded Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) packaging from products weighing less than 45kg.[i] This includes EPS loose packaging fill and moulded single-use EPS packaging for consumer products.
Panasonic has worked to meet these regulations and eliminated EPS from all appliances that fall into this category, so that all of these products shipped from Panasonic to consumers around Australia are EPS-free. Panasonic has replaced EPS with moulded pulp – packaging material made primarily from recycled paper and cardboard – ensuring products are still well-protected while reducing the environmental impact.
Paul Reid, Managing Director, Panasonic Australia said: “We know Australians care deeply about reducing their environmental footprint, so we are pleased that more Panasonic products now come packaged with the planet in mind. “Eliminating EPS packaging from a wide range of appliances shipped nationwide means lighter, easier-to-recycle packaging for our customers – while helping eliminate plastic waste from landfill.
“Panasonic’s leadership and commitment in this area is in line with the company’s global commitment to contributing to carbon neutrality through Panasonic GREEN IMPACT, which has the goal of achieving net zero CO2 by FY2031 in the company’s value chain, along with the effect of the broader decarbonisation of society.”
“As a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant, we’re proud to support their commitment to aligning with global best practice in sustainable packaging.”
[i] https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2023-05/stage-2-ban-plan-for-plastics-eps-moulded-pack.pdf