The number of parts that are recovered at 3R bases in NEC Group-wide 3R business, which commenced in 1999, has grown every year. However, in fiscal 2002, the number declined 23%, due to streamlining and reluctance on the part of consumers to purchase new equipment, which resulted in a decrease in the number of items collected.

Despite this, we maintained a parts reuse rate of 60%. The year-on-year decrease was also partly attributable to a shift in package production overseas, which reduced the number of recovered parts.

At present, one of our most pressing issues is increasing the number of 3R products by improving inspection and repair technology.