CLAS Inc., which operates the furniture and home appliance subscription service “CLAS,” began a pilot program on October 14, 2026, in partnership with Panasonic Corporation and Panasonic Marketing Japan Co., Ltd., to offer a buyback service for refrigerators and hair dryers. Under the scheme, customers who purchase an eligible new product on Panasonic’s official e-commerce site “Panasonic Store Plus” can have CLAS buy back their currently used product in the same category.
This initiative is the first collaborative project launched following a capital alliance between the two companies on July 28, 2026, formed through the “Panasonic Kurashi Visionary Fund,” which is jointly operated by Panasonic and SBI Investment. By connecting the infrastructure of CLAS and Panasonic, the companies aim to build a circular system that seamlessly links the purchase of new products with the collection, reuse, and proper recycling of old ones, and to verify the economic viability of this model. By having CLAS, the operator of the CLAS service, handle the collection of old products at the time of replacement, the companies also aim to relieve consumers of the hassle and uncertainty associated with disposal.
Before making a purchase, users obtain a free estimate on the CLAS buyback service website and enter the issued buyback reference number when placing their order on Panasonic Store Plus. The program will accept purchases made through March 31, 2027. CLAS is responsible for operating the dedicated buyback website, issuing buyback reference numbers, providing estimates and appraisals, conducting online identity verification (eKYC), arranging pickup and collection, transferring buyback payments, and coordinating reuse and proper recycling.
The refrigerator buyback service covers Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama prefectures (excluding some areas and remote islands), and accepts units of 90 liters or larger regardless of model year or manufacturer. Freezer-only units are not eligible. Since the old unit is collected at the same time the new refrigerator is installed, no packing or transport is required on the customer’s part. The hair dryer buyback service is available nationwide and accepts products manufactured between 2021 and 2026 from 10 brands, including Panasonic, Sharp, Dyson, ReFa, and SALONIA (some model numbers are excluded). Users must pack the item themselves, and it will be collected on their preferred date. In both cases, CLAS appraises the item upon arrival and transfers payment to the designated bank account. If the appraised value is lower than the initial estimate, customers may cancel the transaction within seven days of being notified.
Panasonic has been advancing resource circulation through initiatives such as its certified refurbished product business, “Panasonic Factory Refresh,” and home appliance recycling. Both companies also participated in “Circular Economy (CE) Action Week” (October 1–7, 2026), an initiative promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Going forward, starting with the home appliance sector, the two companies plan to pursue medium- to long-term efforts to create a sustainable circulation model for furniture and appliances across the broader living environment.
【Press release】CLAS and Panasonic Launch Pilot Program for Home Appliance Trade-Ins
【Related article】CLAS Raises a Total of ¥1.38 Billion from Panasonic-Affiliated Fund and Others, Integrating Panasonic’s Refurbishment and Other Assets
