Kao Has Set New Targets for 1.5°C Science Based Target Initiative Certification, and Is Aiming to Join RE100
TOKYO, May 19, 2021 — Kao Corporation has set new targets for realizing a decarbonized society and is aiming to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to zero by 2040, and become a carbon negative company by 2050. Consequently, Kao is now seeking to upgrade the 2.0°C target certification it was awarded by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)*1 in 2019 to 1.5°C. It has also signed up to the "Business Ambition for 1.5°C" initiative, which was launched by the UN Global Compact, the SBTi, and We Mean Business. This is a corporate pledge for businesses to set science-based targets aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C instead of 2.0°C. In addition, Kao is aiming to join RE100, an international program which brings together hundreds of large businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity.
Solar panels on Kao's Tochigi plant in Japan
The Kao Group has been working with a variety of stakeholders to reduce the environmental impact throughout their products lifecycles. In April 2019, Kao defined a sustainable lifestyle in an age of increasing consumer needs as the Kirei Lifestyle, and developed the Kirei Lifestyle Plan (KLP), a new ESG Strategy. The Japanese word 'kirei' describes something that is both clean and beautiful. For Kao, Kirei not only encapsulates appearance, but also attitude—to create beauty for oneself, other people, and for the world around us. Mid- to long-term targets have been announced for each of the 19 "Kao Actions" as specified by the KLP, which includes decarbonization.
Recently, Kao's responsibilities have grown as well as the role it is expected to play in relation to tackling climate change caused by global warming. In order to be able to deliver a Kirei Lifestyle not only to today's consumers but also to the consumers of the future, Kao has set new decarbonization objectives aimed at the realization of a decarbonized society. By implementing Innovation in Reduction and Innovation in Recycling with regards to CO2, Kao is aiming to achieve carbon zero by 2040, and carbon negative 2050 in its business activities. Kao is also proceeding with the development of products, services, and technologies that will contribute towards reducing CO2 emissions in society as a whole.
Aiming to be carbon zero by 2040, and carbon negative by 2050.
● In line with the SBTi 1.5°C target, Kao has increased the rate of reduction, which was originally set in 2019 (as one of the mid- to long-term decarbonization goals in the Kirei Lifestyle Plan ESG strategy), by 22% (taking 2017 as the base year) in Scope 1+2 CO2 emissions (absolute value).
● By utilizing the internal carbon pricing system that was adopted in 2006, Kao is promoting the use of equipment that has low CO2 emissions, and in the use of renewable energy.
Kao is aiming to join the RE100 initiative, and will continue to use renewable energy in its business practices with the adoption of photovoltaic electricity generation equipment and the purchase of electricity generated from renewable energy.
● Kao will continue to implement the mid- to long-term decarbonization targets outlined in 2019 in the Kirei Lifestyle Plan ESG strategy.
● Kao will promote reduction in raw material usage, use of natural raw materials, development of water-saving products, reduction in plastic packaging usage, and use of recycled plastic.
In its Consumer Products business and Chemical business, Kao will promote the development of products, services, and technologies that contribute towards the sustainability of society.
Kao will develop technology that enables CO2 to be used as a raw material.
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 1,400 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.
Corporate Strategy
Kao Corporation