04.22.24
The Kao Corporation aims to reach plastic packaging net zero waste by 2040 and negative waste by 2050, meaning that the quantity of plastic recycled is greater than the plastic packaging the Corporation produces.
Kao intends to first reduce plastic packaging used in its business as much as possible and then recycle plastic waste generated in society to create useful products and services.
In 2023, Kao made major progress in its ESG strategy—Kirei Lifestyle Plan—including the first commercialization of refill packs that make partial use of recycled materials, based on film-to-film recycling technology.
The Attack ZERO Perfect Stick for laundry detergent is wrapped in a water-soluble film, eliminating the use of hard plastic containers. The CuCute dishwashing liquid reduces plastic by roughly 40% with a thinner bottle.
Kao has set a “reduction contribution” goal to indicate the amount of reduced plastic used in new products compared to existing products and the amount of reduced plastic with refill packs compared to the original product packaging.
Kao also partnered with local governments, businesses, and stakeholders to establish a collection scheme for used plastic containers and to develop recycling technologies.
In 2023, Kao and the Lion Corporation commercialized refill packs partially made with recycled plastic from collected refill packs. This new packaging was available in limited quantities; however, Kao continues research and development to continue product availability.
A new collection scheme was also developed in Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan that uses the municipal government’s resource collection routes.
In March 2024, Kao Transport and Logistics Company Limited received approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment for voluntary collection by a manufacturer or retailer for plastic packaging at Kao business locations and in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan.
With this approval, Kao and Kao Logistics can collect used refill packs within the Kao Group and in the city of Kamakura without needing to obtain service permission.
Since 2021, the Kao Group has been promoting the Kao Group Mid-term Plan with its vision of “protecting future lives” and “sustainability as the only path.” The Kao Group continues to integrate its ESG strategy into its management practices, develop its business, provide better products and services for consumers and society.
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Kao intends to first reduce plastic packaging used in its business as much as possible and then recycle plastic waste generated in society to create useful products and services.
In 2023, Kao made major progress in its ESG strategy—Kirei Lifestyle Plan—including the first commercialization of refill packs that make partial use of recycled materials, based on film-to-film recycling technology.
Reduced Plastic Innovations
The Corporation is developing packaging with less plastic, using recycled and bio-based plastic. This results in fossil-based plastic use peaking by 2030 and phasing out completely by 2050.The Attack ZERO Perfect Stick for laundry detergent is wrapped in a water-soluble film, eliminating the use of hard plastic containers. The CuCute dishwashing liquid reduces plastic by roughly 40% with a thinner bottle.
Kao has set a “reduction contribution” goal to indicate the amount of reduced plastic used in new products compared to existing products and the amount of reduced plastic with refill packs compared to the original product packaging.
Innovation in Recycling
In 2023, Kao began using 6% recycled plastic in its packaging. Recycled plastic is increasingly being used in PET plastic containers sold in Japan in 2023, such as the bottle-type refill pack (extra-large size) for CuCute dishwashing liquid and Resesh Disinfecting EX Wide Jet clothing and fabric deodorizer.Kao also partnered with local governments, businesses, and stakeholders to establish a collection scheme for used plastic containers and to develop recycling technologies.
In 2023, Kao and the Lion Corporation commercialized refill packs partially made with recycled plastic from collected refill packs. This new packaging was available in limited quantities; however, Kao continues research and development to continue product availability.
A new collection scheme was also developed in Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan that uses the municipal government’s resource collection routes.
In March 2024, Kao Transport and Logistics Company Limited received approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment for voluntary collection by a manufacturer or retailer for plastic packaging at Kao business locations and in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan.
With this approval, Kao and Kao Logistics can collect used refill packs within the Kao Group and in the city of Kamakura without needing to obtain service permission.
Since 2021, the Kao Group has been promoting the Kao Group Mid-term Plan with its vision of “protecting future lives” and “sustainability as the only path.” The Kao Group continues to integrate its ESG strategy into its management practices, develop its business, provide better products and services for consumers and society.
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