Development of User-friendly Containers and Tools Featuring Universal Design

Shampoo bottles are knurled on the lateral faces.
Kao responded to the needs of consumers for shampoos and conditioners based on feedback such as, “The shampoo and conditioner containers are the same, so it’s easy to mistake one for the other,” and, “The shampoo and conditioner bottles should be distinguishable with eyes closed during shampooing.” We did this ahead of competitors and started to spread the knurling technology around the world in 1991. This knurling is also convenient for the visually impaired and the elderly, and is recognized as a typical example of universal design.
Recently, refilling empty shampoo and conditioner bottles has become common, so the knurling technology is not only been used on the caps of main pump dispenser containers but also on the caps of refill containers.

This is an example of how we are applying R&D on packaging and containers to provide containers and tools that are secure and safe, as well as simple and easy to use for everyone regardless of age, sex, or difference in physical ability.
Based on R&D on packaging and containers, we developed various user-friendly products. These include Quickle Wiper, a light cleaning tool that makes cleaning easy, Kao Biore u Foam Stamp Hand Soap, a hand soap that dispenses flower- or pad-shaped foam with just a single push by hand and makes hand washing fun, and Attack ZERO One-hand Push Type, which is a laundry detergent that only needs one hand to put it in the washing machine.

Kao is also working to develop element technologies that can be applied commonly in a wider range of fields. For example, our opening technology, which can be applied to boxes of various shapes and sizes, was first used for individual packaging boxes for cosmetics and hair colors in Japan, and is now used for Kao USA products as well.