“The Human Component” Produced by BBC StoryWorks: Panasonic’s Technologies for a Resilient Planet

“The Human Component”* is an online branded series created for the Consumer Technology Association and produced for them by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions. Through compelling human-led films and immersive written content, the series features innovative technologies that are helping to support a more resilient planet, stronger societies, and healthier communities. Panasonic took part in “The Human Component” series, where three videos were produced for us by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions in “A Resilient Planet” chapter, highlighting the environmental and sustainability initiatives of the Panasonic Group. These videos feature Panasonic’s technologies and include interviews with stakeholders dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality and a circular economy. They demonstrate how technology is helping to mitigate global insecurity caused by climate change.

* For users in some regions who may not be able to access The Human Component link above, please visit https://cta.brightcovegallery.com/human-component

Imagine living or working in a building where nearly every exterior surface generates renewable energy. Panasonic is bringing this vision to life by developing next-generation solar panels known as perovskite solar cells. These cells are produced using inkjet printing, offering greater flexibility in size and design, enabling solar power generation in ways not possible with traditional silicon-based solar cells.

In this film, Yukihiro Kaneko, General Manager at the Applied Materials Technology Center, Technology Division (as of February 2024) at Panasonic, discusses how perovskite solar cells can significantly advance the future of carbon neutrality and shares his dream of implementing this technology worldwide. Discover how these innovative solar panels have the potential to transform every building into a source of renewable energy.

The widespread adoption of pure hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity using hydrogen, is a key component of Panasonic’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. At Panasonic’s Kusatsu Factory in Japan, the H2 KIBOU FIELD experimental facility showcases the “RE100” solution. By combining pure hydrogen fuel cells with solar power and storage batteries, Panasonic aims to create a more consistent, stable, and renewable energy source.

In this film, Yusuke Aizumi and Natsuko Kawazoe explain how this innovative approach allows Panasonic to power 100% of its business operations using renewable energy sources. They also discuss why this solution represents an important step toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

With changes in customer lifestyles, there is a growing global trend of customers using only specific functions of a product rather than owning the entire product. Building a circular economy for sustainable growth is becoming more and more a major economic strategy worldwide. Panasonic is embracing this concept by promoting the effective utilization of resources and maximizing customer value.

In this video, discover how Panasonic is transitioning its products and business operations towards a more circular model. Markus Reichling, General Manager of Green Transformation at Panasonic, highlights specific examples of these initiatives: MULTISHAPE, as an example of circular design; TV refurbishment, as an example of closing the product loops; and PETEC recycling, as an example of closing the material loops.