Kao to Accelerate Its Efforts Toward Net Zero Carbon Emissions

Kao Corporation is striving toward the realization of a decarbonized society by implementing Innovation in Reduction and Recycling with regard to carbon dioxide (CO₂). It aims to be carbon zero by 2040 and carbon negative by 2050 in its business activities.

In April 2019, Kao established its ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, which outlines 19 leadership actions. One of these actions is to contribute toward decarbonization. This mid-to-long-term goal has been certified by the global Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as a 1.5°C target.

Kao is also a member of the international initiative, RE100, which aims to power businesses using 100% renewable electricity. Additionally, all of Kao's logistics sites throughout Japan used only 100% renewable electricity in 2021.

Reduction/Targets to Achieve Carbon Zero by 2040 & 2021 Results

In 2021, in addition to utilizing the non-fossil fuel energy certificates, a newly established corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was utilized at Kao Head Office. The Kao Group also installed the largest photovoltaic power generating facilities for on-site power generation at its Sakata Plant (total panel power generation capacity of 2,845 kW). Furthermore, 100% renewable electricity consumption has been achieved at all domestic logistics sites (55 locations), the Sumida Complex (including the Tokyo Plant), and the Sakata Plant.

For 2022, Kao supports the installation of low CO₂ emitting equipment and photovoltaic power generating facilities for on-site power generation. It also continues to accelerate the use of renewable electricity by approving the company-wide carbon price system which was raised last year and adopting it across Japan and the world. Moreover, 100% renewable electricity consumption has been achieved at the Tochigi Plant in January and at the Kao Head Office in February.

By 2030, Kao will have reduced Scope 1+2 CO₂ emissions (absolute value) by 55% (taking 2017 as the base year)

• 2021 results: 20% (2020: 15%)
• Note: SBTi 1.5°C target certification

By 2030, 100% of the electricity used will be sourced from renewable energy

• 2021 results: 38% (2020: 28%)
• Note: RE100 participation
• The ratio of renewable electricity used in Japan compared to overseas. Japan 51%, overseas 25% (2020: Japan 32%, overseas 23%)
• Photovoltaic power generating facilities for on-site power generation installation sites (as of the end of 2021). 17 sites (2020: 13 sites)

By 2030, Kao will have reduced CO₂ emissions (absolute value) throughout the product lifecycle by 22% (taking 2017 as the base year)

• 2021 results: 4% (2020: 4%)
• A large proportion of CO₂ emitted at each stage of a product's lifecycle is during raw material procurement and use. Consequently, Kao will reduce the number of raw materials needed, and encourage the use of recycled plastics and plant-derived raw materials, the development of water-saving products, and the reduction of plastic used in packaging containers.
• Note: SBTi 1.5°C Certification

Amount of CO₂ emissions reduced as a whole by using Kao's products and services: 10 million tons by 2030

• 2021 results: 4,564,000 tons (2020: 4,022,000 tons)
• Kao is developing products, services, and technologies in its Consumer Products Business and Chemical Business that contribute to the sustainability of society. As part of this goal, Kao has set a target for the amount of CO₂ emissions it can reduce. Kao compares the CO₂ produced when offering new products and services with the CO₂ created by current products and services. The difference between the two is the reduced contribution amount.

Recycling/Targets to Achieve Carbon Negative by 2050 & 2021 Results

Kao will continue to develop technology that enables CO₂ to be used as a raw material in its own products.

In 2021, Kao launched its Mid-term Plan 2025 (K25), which declares "Sustainability as the Only Path" as its vision. Kao will continue to integrate ESG into the core of its company management. It also aims to drive business growth, as well as better serve consumers and society through its enhanced products and services, in order to achieve a Kirei life for all by providing care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet.

Kirei Lifestyle Plan

Over the past 130 years, Kao has worked to improve people's lives and help them realize more sustainable lifestyles—a Kirei Lifestyle. The Japanese word 'Kirei' describes something that is clean, well-ordered, and beautiful, all at the same time.

The Kao Group established its ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan in April 2019, which is designed to deliver the vision of a gentler and more sustainable way of living. By 2030, Kao aims to empower at least 1 billion people, to enjoy more beautiful lives and have 100% of its products leave a full lifecycle environmental footprint that science says our natural world can safely absorb.

Source: Kao