Top Electronic Brands Form New Recycling Company

Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba Join Hands To Meet Recycling Requirements

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Three leading electronics brands have
established a new electronic product recycling management company, Electronic
Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, LLC (MRM), to manage collection
and recycling programs in the United States. The new company's first
activities are focused on providing cost effective services to manufacturers
who must satisfy the recently enacted requirements in Minnesota for the
recycling of used electronic products.
Formed as a joint-venture between Panasonic Corporation of North America,
Sharp Electronics Corporation and Toshiba America Consumer Products, MRM will
provide a recycling service to electronics manufacturers and others, including
state and local governments. In addition to planning for recycling programs in
several states from late 2008 or 2009, including Connecticut, North Carolina,
Oregon, Texas and Washington, MRM is also positioned to offer recycling
services as needed in other states or on a national scale. Going forward MRM
anticipates working with concerned stakeholders to develop a viable, long-term
national solution.
"We believe that forming an independent company to manage collective
electronic recycling programs is the best way to achieve the economies of
scale and efficiencies necessary to create a sustainable recycling system for
used electronics products." said David Thompson, MRM President. "MRM has
already entered into collection and recycling agreements with Hitachi
Electronics, JVC, Mitsubishi, Philips, Pioneer, Sanyo and Olevia brand maker
Syntax-Brillian, and looks forward to working with other manufacturers going
forward."
An important goal for the new company is to provide consumers with
convenient recycling opportunities. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Commissioner Brad Moore praised the company's work. "In the first five months
since Minnesota's new electronic recycling law took effect, MRM collected
approximately 750 tons of used products - a significant amount. We are pleased
with MRM's effort in being the first manufacturer organization to offer
convenient recycling service to citizens in all parts of our state, and hope
it works to decrease illegal dumping of waste electronic products."
MRM is designed to operate a practical and efficient program that works
for consumers and manufacturers in the state of Minnesota and beyond. Cost-
effective and environmentally sound recycling are important for increasing the
long-term sustainability of the electronics industry and this new company
reflects the venture partners' continued commitment to environmental
responsibility.
About MRM
Established as a joint venture by Panasonic Corporation of North America,
Sharp Electronics Corporation and Toshiba America Consumer Products,
Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, LLC ('MRM') will
operate a collection and recycling program in Minnesota and beyond. The joint
venture company has been set up to serve the needs of electronics
manufacturers who will be responsible for take-back of products under new
electronic waste recycling laws, as well as the needs of consumers for
convenient access to electronic recycling opportunities.
SOURCE Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.

Jim Reilly of Panasonic, +1-201-392-6067, reillyj@us.panasonic.com; or
Christopher Loncto of Sharp, +1-201-529-8680, lonctoc@sharpsec.com; or Maria
Repole of Toshiba, +1-973-628-8000 x4250, maria_repole@tacp.com