Panasonic Corporation has launched pilot projects in Vietnam and the Philippines to collect used air conditioners and assess opportunities for recycling and refurbishment. Running from October 2026 through March 2027, the projects aim to establish collection systems using retail networks and evaluate the potential for recovering materials for use in Panasonic products.
In each country, Panasonic aims to collect 500 to 1,000 used air conditioners, including units from other manufacturers. The projects will target customers purchasing Panasonic products from participating retailers and examine the operational and commercial feasibility of collecting used equipment. The initiatives are part of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment International Metal Resource Circulation Promotion Project.
In Vietnam, Panasonic Vietnam is collaborating with home appliance retailer Cao Phong on a collection program launched on October 8, 2026. Customers replacing their air conditioners can register to have their used units purchased. Panasonic will assess future options for dismantling collected equipment, separating materials and recovering resources for use in products manufactured in Vietnam. The initiative follows the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements for electrical and electronic products in January 2025.
In the Philippines, Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation plans to work with a local appliance retailer to examine collection and recycling methods, the use of recovered materials in its products, and the feasibility of selling refurbished air conditioners. The company previously conducted a pilot involving 80 refurbished refrigerators in November 2025 and launched its Panasonic Refresh program in September 2026, offering refurbished refrigerators with a one-year warranty.
The projects draw on Panasonic’s experience in Japan, where the company collects and dismantles used appliances to recover iron, copper, plastics and other materials. Panasonic plans to use the findings to develop collection, refurbishment and recycling systems adapted to local regulations and market conditions, with potential expansion across ASEAN under its Panasonic GREEN IMPACT environmental strategy.
