Kao Recognized as Supplier Engagement Leader by CDP for the Eighth Consecutive Year

• CDP, a global non-governmental organization, has recognized Kao as the highest rated Supplier Engagement Leader for the eighth consecutive year.

• The Supplier Engagement Assessment evaluates companies that works with suppliers on tackling climate change

Kao Corporation has been recognized as a Supplier Engagement Leader for the eighth consecutive year in the Supplier Engagement Assessment, organized by CDP, an international non-governmental organization. Kao has received recognition for its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions with its suppliers throughout the entire supply chain and tackle climate change.

The Supplier Engagement Assessment is based on responses to questions related to supplier engagement in CDP’s Climate Change questionnaire. The assessment also takes into account the score in the Climate Change category, and Kao received the highest rating of ‘A’ in the latest results for 2024.

Naoshi Nakamoto, Executive Officer in Charge of Kao’s procurement, comments, “We are extremely proud to
have been selected as a Supplier Engagement Leader by CDP for the eighth consecutive year. At Kao, we strive to strengthen sustainable supply chains that take into account resource protection, environmental conservation and safety, human rights, etc. through the relationships of trust we have built over many years with suppliers and our problem-solving expertise. We will continue to work with suppliers to further enhance ESG procurement and drive efforts to realize our mission of a Kirei life for all.”

Working with Suppliers to Tackle Climate Change
Aiming to realize a decarbonized society and sustainable business, Kao is developing innovative technologies and working with stakeholders to reduce CO2 emissions throughout the value chain in order to achieve carbon zero in 2040 and carbon negative in 2050.

One of the 19 leadership action themes of Kao’s ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, is the procurement of responsibly sourced raw materials. In accordance with its Policies for Procurement, Kao has also established
guidelines for Partnership Requirements for Suppliers, ESG Promotion Activities with Suppliers, and “High-Risk” Supply Chain Management and Sourcing, and is implementing various measures with the aim of promoting cooperation with suppliers to reduce CO2 emissions.

Utilizing the CDP Supply Chain Program
Every year, Kao requests its major suppliers to respond to CDP’s Supply Chain Program questionnaire regarding their decarbonization initiatives. Suppliers are, in addition to the score given by CDP, informed of Kao’s evaluation as well, thus allowing them to further CO2 reductions within their respective companies.
 
The Kao Vendor Summit
The Kao Vendor Summit is held every year as a place to share information and exchange opinions with important suppliers. In order to promote cooperation, Kao’s ESG initiatives are introduced, such as decarbonization, followed by an explanation of the importance of participating in the CDP Supply Chain Program and checking the traceability of raw materials.