Toshiba Reinforces its Commitment to the Environment in 2009

Toshiba Expands Electronics Recycling Program with Drop Off Sites in 50 States and adds New Energy Efficient Products and Environmentally-Conscious Efforts

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- CES -- Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainability of the environment by announcing new initiatives including more energy efficient products and new recycling programs in 2009.

By dedicating additional resources to create environmentally-conscious products (ECPs), Toshiba is able to meet established criteria such as ENERGY STAR(R) qualifications, as well as minimize the environmental impact of its products with a nationwide recycling program.

"Consumers are thinking more and more about their impact on the planet, and as a result they are looking for brands and products that are committed to the environment," said Maria Repole, AVP Corporate Communications at Toshiba. "This year, Toshiba is putting even more emphasis on improving its environmental practices and demonstrating its commitment to sustainability."

Environmentally Conscious Products

Throughout the product design phase, Toshiba evaluates numerous items, such as resource conservation, energy savings, reduction in use of toxic substances and end of life reuse and recycling. Incorporating this design concept during the planning stage decisively helps reduce the environmental impact throughout the product life cycle.

In 2008, Toshiba's 42XV540U was recognized by PC Magazine for exhibiting low power consumption and solid energy efficiency and won its first-ever GreenTech Approved HDTV award. In 2009, Toshiba will continue to focus on these areas as exemplified by its full 2009 line of flat panel LCD TVs, which will meet ENERGY STAR 3.0 certifications. All of Toshiba's new LCD TV combination models and DVD players will also meet ENERGY STAR certifications.

Additionally, Toshiba is developing and incorporating new technologies into its products that will ultimately save energy. Toshiba's XV, ZV and SV TV lines incorporate AutoView(TM), a feature that activates an automatic brightness sensor that adjusts picture settings based on ambient light conditions. Not only does AutoView make life simpler and the picture better, but it can potentially lower power consumption, providing energy savings for the home.

Green Procurement

Toshiba is making huge strides in the reduction of chemical substances and hazardous materials, which reflects Toshiba's increased efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of its products in cooperation with its suppliers.

A key element in Toshiba's efforts to create ECPs is the evaluation of the procurement of its products, parts and components, processed materials and raw materials. Toshiba also revised its green procurement guidelines to meet and exceed the stringent European Union's RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive which bans the use of certain chemical substances in products. These initiatives place Toshiba at the forefront of efforts to hasten the emergence of a sustainable society.

Expanded Recycling Efforts

Furthering its commitment to the environment, Toshiba also announced that it has expanded its recycling program to include televisions and other consumer electronics with drop-off locations in all 50 states.

Toshiba will utilize Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, L.L.C. (MRM), a joint venture between Toshiba, Panasonic Corporation of North America and Sharp Electronics Corporation, to implement the program. Furthering the goal to increase recycling efforts across the industry, consumers can drop off Toshiba, Panasonic and Sharp branded consumer electronics products at any of the 280 locations nationwide, providing more convenience for the consumer.

Toshiba's recycling program will involve a number of different collection opportunities, including existing municipal recycling centers, private recycling centers and non-profit organizations. The goal is to leverage consumer behavior by maximizing convenience and ultimately creating an efficient and effective recycling program. For more information and a list of the locations where Toshiba, Panasonic and Sharp branded electronics can be dropped off for recycling, please visit www.mrmrecycling.com.

Expanding its recycling program, working with other manufactures that are committed to an environmentally sustainable future and dedicating more resources to green procurement and ECP's are just some of the many ways that Toshiba is reaffirming its commitment to the environment. In 2009 and the years to follow, Toshiba will continue to look for new ways to expand its environmental efforts.

About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.

Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world leader in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. Toshiba is a pioneer in DVD technology and a leading manufacturer of a full line of home entertainment products, including flat panel TVs, combination products and portable devices. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. For additional information please visit www.tacp.toshiba.com.

ENERGY STAR is a registered mark owned by the U.S. government.