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  Channel NewsAsia 31 Jul 06
Japanese firms produce more eco-friendly products
By Channel NewsAsia's Japan Bureau Chief Michiyo Ishida

TOKYO : Japanese carmakers are known for their leading eco-friendly technologies. Today, firms in other industries are following in their footsteps, amid growing concern for the environment around the world.

"Energy saving" is a tagline that you will find on many new Japanese products these days, like TV sets and other items using liquid crystal displays (LCDs) which are known to conserve energy.

It is now natural for Japanese companies to create environmentally-friendly technologies, not only for their products, but also to run their factories.

For six years in a row, Sharp has had the largest global share in the production of solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. It is one of the firm's two main business segments, along with LCDs. The panels on their factory can generate 5220 kilowatts. It is said to be the largest set-up of its kind in the world and will be operational from October.

Takashi Nakagawa, Corporate Executive Director, Sharp Corporation, said, "We rate the Kameyama Factory a "Super Green Factory" as it's committed to saving energy and promoting the environment." The Kameyama factory, which opened in 2004, has won many awards, including the Japan Water Award for recycling its waste water 100 percent. It has also been awarded for an energy efficient co-generation system. Sharp says a lot of investment has gone into it.

Mr Nakagawa said, "In the short term, there's no way to avoid spending but in the long term, we will conserve energy. A company cannot ignore environmental concerns".

Japan aims to reduce gas emissions by 6 percent from 2008 to 2012, and Sharp aims to eliminate its contribution to global warming by 2010. - CNA/ms
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