Universal Product Design

We aim to provide products and services that are easy for everyone to use, promoting universal product design.
Grounded in Kaoʼs purpose to “realize a Kirei World in which all life lives in harmony,” we are taking steady steps to create a society no one is left behind.

Kao’s Approach & Activities

Universal Product Design (Kao Sustainability Report 2025)

Read about Kao’s value created to address social issues in this area, policies, framework, and achievements.

Kao Universal Design Guidelines

We have developed our Universal Design guidelines as part of our commitment to Yoki-Monozukuri.
History of Major Initiatives

Our approach to product development aims to make products safe and easy to use for all people.
Easy to Use for All - Tactile Marks on Shampoos

In 1991, Kao was the first company to add notches on shampoo bottles. Read about the introduction of notches and how it came to be an industry standard.

Contributions to the SDGs

Looking ahead to 2030, Kao is focused on the SDGs that have been agreed upon and adopted by the international community. As indicators for realizing a sustainable society, the SDGs set forth an integrated approach for improving the economy, society and the environment. Contributions by companies are considered extremely important to achieving the SDGs.
As indicated below, we are working to address the Kao Action topics set in the Kao ESG Commitments and Actions with the aim of achieving the SDGs.