Kao Is Participating in Pool Project Tokyo to Help Realize Sustainable Plastic Resource Circulation

Starting from November 2021, Kao Corporation has been participating in Pool Project Tokyo, a project initiated by RECOTECH, Inc.—a company which provides resource recycling platform services and resource recycling consulting services—to expand, throughout the entire Tokyo Metropolis, the recovery and recycling of plastic waste generated by commercial facilities. This project has been selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as an Innovative Business Model Project for Sustainable Use of Plastics, and Kao is working together with Tokyo Metropolitan Government to reduce the amount of single-use plastic, and to promote plastic resource circulation.

Pool Project Tokyo involves the efficient collection and advanced material recycling of plastic waste generated by commercial facilities within the Tokyo Metropolis. The recycled plastic is being sold to manufacturers as Pool Resin, post-consumer recycled (PCR) material^* which has full traceability covering every stage from the source of the waste plastic through transportation and volume reduction to processing. The project also involves the development and branding of products that utilize Pool Resin. In addition, chemical recycling tests are being implemented with respect to some of the plastic that has dirt adhering to it and which is difficult to sort, and verification testing is being performed on the recycling processes (including logistics and storage) and end products for different levels of dirt and levels of sorting precision. Kao is responsible for assessing the physical properties of the recycled plastic that is produced through the project, and for evaluating potential packaging applications.

In April 2019, the Kao Group established its ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, with 19 leadership actions. Pool Project Tokyo will contribute to "Zero Waste." By integrating ESG into the core of its company management, Kao will drive business growth and better serve consumers and society through its enhanced products and services. With this socially conscious ethos, Kao will create a Kirei life for all—providing care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet.