The Environment Minister's Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity is a commendation that has been organized by the Ministry of the Environment since 1998 as a part of its promotion of global warming countermeasures. It is awarded to individuals and groups who have made exceptional achievements in global warming prevention. This December, Kao received the award in the Implementation and Dissemination of Countermeasures category in recognition of the Kao Eco-Lab Museum, located inside its Wakayama Plant in Japan.

Kao released the Kao Environmental Statement in 2009, and is working to reduce environmental impacts at all stages of its business activities as well as implementing projects with the goals of conserving the global environmental and realizing sustainability. The Kao Eco-Lab Museum opened inside Wakayama Plant in 2011 with the mission of communicating the importance of "eco together" activities taken together with customers and consumers to create a better world. The museum communicates the latest information on environmental topics and informs visitors about various environmental efforts Kao is implementing at each stage of the product life cycle from raw materials through to disposal.

A wide range of visitors numbering more than 10,000 from Japan and abroad come to the museum annually, from specialists in environmental fields to business partners, members of the general public, and educators as well as students and small children. The Kao Eco-Lab Museum provides opportunities for many different types of people to think about the environment, with interactive communication about exhibits tailored to their purpose and preferences. Visitors such as members of the general public and educators learn about ways people can reduce their environmental impacts at home, while business partners receive explanations about new technology developments with an eye to partnering on projects in the future.

The Kao Group established its ESG strategy, named the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, in April 2019, and has "Making the world healthier and cleaner" as one of its stated commitments. Through the Kao Eco-Lab Museum and many other activities, Kao will continue to communicate its commitment to manufacturing and environmental efforts and contribute to increased awareness for environmental conservation. Kao will also implement its unique ESG activities globally to deliver satisfaction and enriched lives for people around the world, and to contribute to the sustainability of society.