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Tokyo, Japan -- Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC)
and Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT) today announced their agreement to partnerships
in creating environmental management tools. Specifically, they will
jointly develop environmental performance Indicators and environmental
preservation technologies, in addition to environmental education systems.
Through this agreement, Matsushita Electric and Hitachi will take their
own respective approaches to environmental management, while together
taking new initiatives toward building a sustainable society. In May
2001 the two companies agreed on a strategic alliance in IC card solutions,
home network appliances and white goods incorporating new environmental
technologies. The new agreement on environmental management brings a
fourth realm to the alliance.
Joint Development of Environmental Performance Indicators
Environmental management requires various indicators for assessing
environment impact.
On the basis of the Environmental Performance Indicators for Businesses
(Fiscal Year 2000 version) put forth in February 2001 by Japan's Environmental
Ministry, during fiscal 2002 the two companies will jointly develop
practical indicators for environmental impact analysis and goal-setting.
Specifically, they seek to establish indices for environmentally friendly
products (energy/resource efficiency rates), gross input materials
and transport, by combining Matsushita's energy/resource efficiency
improvement expertise and Hitachi's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Collaboration on Environmental Preservation Technologies
Regarding hazardous materials likely to be subject to regulation in
the future (including hexavalent chromium, lead, mercury, cadmium,
and specified bromic flame retardants), the two companies will collaborate
on technological surveys, alternative substance development, impact
assessment testing, and selection of desirable substitutes for hazardous
materials.
Joint Promotion of Environmental Education
Sustainable development requires environmental education and public
enlightenment. During fiscal 2002 the two companies will share their
educational expertise in jointly developing educational systems and
content for Matsushita and Hitachi employees and their families. They
will also prepare educational content for their product users, emphasizing
the wise use of consumer electronics as it relates to preserving the
environment.
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's
leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 2001 (ended March
31, 2002) consolidated sales of 7,993.7 billion yen ($60.1 billion*)
The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including
computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial
equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's
Web site at http://global.hitachi.com
* At an exchange rate of 133 yen to the dollar.
About Matsushita Electric Industrial
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic,
National, Technics, and Quasar brands, is a worldwide leader in the
development and manufacture of electronics products for a wide range
of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan,
the company recorded consolidated sales of US$51.70 billion for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2002. In addition to stock exchanges in
Tokyo (6752) and elsewhere in Japan, Matsushita's shares are listed
on the Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, New York (NYSE: MC), Pacific,
and Paris stock exchanges. Additional information is available at
http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html.
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