Kao underlines sustainability focus with new environmental, social and governance strategy

The manufacturer of brand such as Bioré, Kanebo, John Frieda, and Jergens ranked third in the Personal Care and Cleaning Products category of the Corporate Knights’ 2019 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations list.

The Global 100 companies represent the top 1.3% in the world on sustainability performance. Kao was selected from a pool of 7,500 companies.

The companies are evaluated with 21 quantitative key performances indicators across environmental, social and governance factors.

Kao was also named in CDP’s A List for action on water security alongside companies such as ACCIONA, Gap and Ford.

“Kao released the Kao Environmental Statement in 2009 and has been actively working to reduce environmental impacts across the entire product life cycle,” ​said the company. “Kao views the four areas of CO2, water, chemical substances, and biodiversity as environmental issues of particular importance.”​

Striving for diversity

For its commitment to diversity, Kao was included for the 2019 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI).

Kao commented that diversity produces vitality and is the foundation of its human capital development and can create new value for society.

“Kao strives to create an organisational environment that recognises the diverse personalities and perspectives of each employee, and in which all employees are able to develop their passions and capabilities to the maximum possible extent,” said Akio Matsui, executive officer for human capital development.

“Moving forward, Kao will step up its efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion, and its transparency,” ​added Matsui. “It is through such efforts we can continue to create unique and innovative value for society, and enhance our corporate value.”​

ESG 2019 launch ahead

This year, Kao is launching its new ESG strategy to meet the changing demands of consumers.

“In 2019, consumer needs have changed, but our approach remains the same,”​ said Muenz. “This year, Kao is launching a new ESG strategy which will help us serve our consumers so that they can live a more sustainable lifestyle that contributes to a more sustainable world.”​

Kao’s new ESG strategy will come into shape later this year. Its aim is to intensify its sustainability efforts and bring innovations to markets outside its home ground of Japan to make a difference to the consumers it serves across the different markets.

Dave Muenz, executive officer in charge of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) at Kao Corporation said: “It is a great honour to have been recognised for our sustainability efforts. Since Kao began business in 1887, we have put consumer needs at the heart of everything we do.”​