HÀ NỘI — Panasonic Vietnam Co Ltd has partnered with Cao Phong Co Ltd, operator of the Chợ Lớn Electronics and Furniture supermarket chain, to pilot the collection of used electrical and electronic products in southern and central Việt Nam from October.

The programme will initially focus on used air conditioners and run until the end of March 2027, with a target of collecting between 500 and 1,000 units.

Under the pilot, customers purchasing Panasonic products at Cao Phong retail stores can register to have their used air conditioners bought back.

The programme aims to assess the feasibility of establishing a sustainable collection and recycling model for end-of-life electrical appliances.

Subject to the required licences, collected air conditioners will be dismantled and sorted by material before being sent for recycling.

Panasonic Vietnam said the scheme would allow it to test a system covering the collection, dismantling, material sorting and recycling of used appliances.

The initiative comes as Việt Nam implements its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements under the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection. EPR requirements for electrical and electronic products took effect on January 1, 2025, requiring producers and importers to fulfil responsibilities related to the collection and recycling of products at the end of their useful life.

However, the collection and proper recycling of discarded household electrical appliances remains a challenge, while businesses continue to work on practical models for meeting their EPR responsibilities.

Takayasu Fujino, CEO of Panasonic Vietnam, said the company viewed EPR compliance as an important responsibility for producers and exporters.

“Through this collection pilot, Panasonic aims to help establish a practical model for the collection and recycling of e-waste, contributing to the advancement of Việt Nam’s circular economy policy,” he said.

The pilot is also part of Panasonic Group’s broader sustainability programme, Panasonic GREEN IMPACT, which includes targets related to carbon neutrality and the circular economy.

Through the programme, the group aims to reduce environmental impacts across the product life cycle and increase the circulation of resources.

The pilot could provide practical experience for manufacturers and retailers as Việt Nam develops systems for collecting and recycling end-of-life electrical and electronic products.

Panasonic Vietnam Group comprises of seven companies. In Việt Nam, Panasonic is one among those enterprises that place great emphasis on social activities surrounding education and environment for wellness life of Vietnamese people and sustainable development. — VNS