Kao's RecyCreation Project Gives Back in Kitami, Hokkaido

Kao Corporation released the "Kao Environmental Statement" in 2009, in which the company states its commitment to reduce its environmental impact at every level of business activities, to promote environmental conservation, and to build a sustainable society. In reducing the environmental footprint caused by product packaging, Kao takes the "4R approach," with "reduce" as its base principle and adding "replace," with the objective of switching raw materials to more sustainable choices, to "reuse" and "recycle."
Using the new approach of RecyCreation since 2015, Kao has undertaken research to establish a new resource circulation system for packaging and has started projects to validate its value together with local communities and partner companies. In 2018, Kao established "Our Philosophy and Action on Plastic Packaging," which presents its commitment to efforts like this to reduce plastic resource use. In April 2019, Kao also announced its ESG strategy, called the "Kirei Lifestyle Plan."
Kao will continue to create new possibilities for RecyCreation, extending the circle of co-creation while building trust and support with various communities and stakeholders.

Beginning with the 1998 establishment of its "Kitami Basic Ordinance on the Environment," the city of Kitami has promoted the environment and is advancing measures to address environmental conservation and creation. It is also actively engaged in public awareness campaigns. Its "Kururun Kitami" environmental fair, held annually for the past 20 years, offers lectures and exhibits on the environment and hosts flea markets and other activities.
Kao has been conducting RecyCreation activities with Kitami City since October 2018. With cooperation from the Kitami Eco-School SDGs Council, Kao set up 28 collection boxes throughout the city to collect used refill packs, and is currently working to expand the reach of that program to collect even more refill packs. With the cooperation of many partners, Kao will continue contributing to improving recycling awareness in Kitami City through RecyCreation.

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.