Aiming to make our plastic packaging fully recyclable

Kao is proactively realizing a sustainable circular society by taking the initiative to make plastic packaging fully recyclable.

Our Approach to Packaging

Kao’s commitment to creating a better future for people and the planet is the driving force behind our efforts to minimize the environmental impact of our products. In addition to developing refill and replacement products, we are constantly seeking ways to reduce the amount of plastic used in our product containers and packaging.

Making Products More Compact

Reducing volume by making products more concentrated has led to products that are more compact. The development of bottles with thin but protective walls has helped reduce the use of plastic.

Image. By changing from the Original type to a Concentrated type, the amount of plastic used was reduced by 54%. (As of March 2024)

Refill and Replacement Products

The development of products that encourage consumers to use refill packs and replacement parts has also helped to greatly reduce plastic consumption. Kao continues to create product containers that can be easily refilled by anyone.

Image. Merit shampoo being refilled from a refill pack to a bottle and Bioreu refill pack being replaced into a smart holder.

Promoting horizontal recycling with stakeholders

Kao and Lion Corporation started collecting used refill containers in September 2020 and introduced refill packaging that has been made partially from recycled materials for the first time in May 2023, utilizing horizontal recycling. Kao will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders to broaden its horizontal recycling initiatives and highlight its contribution to a sustainable society.

Product Images. Attack Zero and Nanox refill packs