Taiwan - AU Optronics (AUO; http://www.auo.com.tw ) announced its recognition by the Industrial Development Bureau of Ministry of Economic Affairs as the leading green TFT-LCD maker for its 46-inch "Eco-Plus" Full HD panel. This award again confirms AUOs endeavors in "Green Solutions." AUO will continue applying "Green Solutions" initiatives in all aspects of its innovative technologies, making real efforts in protecting the earth while seeking ways to offer convenient and delightful digital lifestyles to consumers.

The 46-inch "Eco-Plus" Full HD panel which received this award weighs less than 9 kg. Its weight is reduced by 30%, its thickness by 30%, and the panel brings power savings of up to 30%. The package efficiency is also increased by 66% due to the reduction in packaging space and delivery weight. Combined with AUOs focus on Green Logistics, transportation efficiency is improved and consequently reduces the impact on the environment.

AUO was also highly recognized by the panel of judges in all seven areas of "Green Quality Evaluation,"including Selection and Labeling Production Material, End-of-Life Design, Quality Assurance and Improvement, Energy Management, Procedure for Recycle and Waste Management, and Environment Policy and Packaging.

Taking the area of Selection and Labeling Production Material as an example, AUO has not only followed the EU RoHS regulations, but has also led the industry to embrace a Halogen Free policy. Furthermore, AUO has developed its own Green Parts Aggregations and Reporting System(GPARS).

This system enables AUO to communicate with its supply partners in real time, confirming that the materials it intends to purchase are in line with AUO green policy, international norms and customers requirements. The result is a realization of AUOs hazard-free commitment in declining the use of parts or materials that are harmful to the ecosystem, environment and people.

In the area of packaging, AUO successfully developed a "Paper Cushion Structure for LCD TV panel package" by taking into account solutions in saving resources, in recycling, and in lowering pollution and logistics costs. This design was awarded the 2008 Green Package Design Award by the Environmental Protection Administration recently, making AUO the only non-professional packaging company to receive this award.

"As a global leading TFT-LCD supplier, we are actively taking serious steps to realize ideas envisaged in AUO Green Solutions, including Green Innovations, Green Procurement, Green Production, Green Logistics, Green Service and Green Recycling," said Dr. LJ Chen, President and COO of AUO, who fully agrees that a company should play a key role in protecting the environment.

"We are indeed happy to see government support in this area and look forward to seeing this initiative expanded to cover all stakeholders in the TFT-LCD industry, as a way to collectively upgrade the value of Taiwans flat panel display industry so as to meet or surpass international environmental standards, as well as to ultimately create more green opportunities."

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