Kao Corporation received the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency commendation in the 2019 selection of consumer-oriented management companies for best practice, organized by the Consumer Affairs Agency. This commendation is an official award given by the Agency to companies with best practice that have publicly made a voluntary declaration of consumer-orientation and demonstrated outstanding follow-up activities accordingly. This is the second year in a row that Kao has received the best practice commendation following receiving the Minister of State commendation last fiscal year.
Ms. Akiko Ito, Commissioner, Consumer Affairs Agency (left) and Michitaka Sawada, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (right) at the award ceremony
With a view to promoting "consumer-oriented management" by businesses to prioritize consumers, the Consumer Affairs Agency works with business associations and consumer groups to encourage "voluntary declaration of consumer-orientation and follow-up activities" among businesses. Kao publicly released its Declaration of Consumer-orientation in 2017 and has announced the progress of its follow-up activities each year since then.
Kao received the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency commendation in recognition of its leading ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activities and its commitment to realizing a sustainable society. Some of the specific activities that were cited include its major shift to ESG-driven management, efforts to reduce the amount of plastic used, and strengthened recycling activities.
Since its founding, the Kao Group has conducted consumer-oriented activities, and through Yoki-Monozukuri (Kao's strong commitment to manufacturing) from the consumer's perspective considers its mission to deliver enriched lives with delight and satisfaction to people around the world and contribute to the sustainability of society. Amid major changes to conditions in society and the natural environment, Kao will continue to conduct and build on its efforts at consumer-oriented management based on a foundation of ESG management.
Kao creates high-value-added products that enrich the lives of consumers around the world. Through its portfolio of over 20 leading brands such as Attack, Bioré, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries and Molton Brown, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people in Asia, Oceania, North America and Europe. Combined with its chemical division, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,500 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 33,000 people worldwide and has 130 years of history in innovation. Please visit the Kao Group website for updated information.
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