Kao releases progress actions on its ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan
Kao Corporation releases progress actions on its ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, which was first announced in April 2019.
In April 2019, Kao established its ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, to realize what it calls the "Kirei Lifestyle," a vision for a gentler and more sustainable way of living that consumers around the world are increasingly expressing a desire for. The Kirei Lifestyle Plan consists of three commitments supported by 19 leadership Kao Actions to deliver the Kirei Lifestyle vision by 2030.
Just one year into the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, the Kao Group has made a solid start towards achieving its 2030 commitments, with an impressive range of activities underway. Examples include the development of Bio IOS for the leadership action of Sustainable Lifestyle Promotion, the launch of MyKirei by KAO for Purpose-driven Brands, the development of Fine Fiber Technology and RNA Monitoring for Transformative Product Innovation, the use of renewable energy for Decarbonization, and the wide-scale start of in-store sales of the Smart Holder and the discontinued use of eye-catching plastic stickers on product packaging for Zero Waste.
For an overview of the progress actions, visit:
https://www.kao.com/global/en/news/sustainability/2020/20200423-001/
Kao’s ESG efforts have been recognized and validated by several external bodies. Kao was included on the A List, the highest evaluation for climate change and water by CDP, a leading international NPO, based on a global survey of business enterprises’ response to climate change and their activities in relation to water security. In 2020, for the sixth year running, Kao was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World), among the world’s most renowned socially responsible investment (SRI) indices. Kao was also selected for inclusion in the World’s Most Ethical Companies® 2020 list by U.S. think tank Ethisphere Institute. This marks the fourteenth consecutive year for inclusion on the list, an achievement that is a KPI for executive officer compensation at Kao.
On releasing the progress activities on the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, Dave Muenz, Executive Officer in charge of Kao’s ESG Division, notes that: “To implement ESG-driven Yoki-Monozukuri, meaning implementing our Yoki-Monozukuri manufacturing with ESG perspectives, we discussed what activities were the most effective and uniquely suited to our company, and then shifted gears to execute them. We have set specific targets to work toward, including targets to reduce CO2 emissions that are approved and published by the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative. As employee engagement is critical in implementing these activities, we are also focusing on internal education and dialogue with employees. We have welcomed two external experts to the External ESG Advisory Board established last year. This Board makes reports and suggestions in response to inquiries posed by the ESG Committee, and its external, global viewpoints inform our management activities. We will continue striving to realize business that contributes to living a beautiful life inside and out.”
Details of Kao's progress will be released in the Kao Sustainability Data Book Kirei Lifestyle Plan Progress Report 2020 in June. For the 2019 report, visit: https://www.kao.com/global/en/sustainability/databook/
