Kao Corporation has been officially designated a "Water Cycle ACTIVE Company" by the Japanese government, acknowledging its significant contributions to water resource management. This recognition, under the Water Cycle Company Registration and Certification System, highlights Kao's commitment to sustainable water practices through various company-wide initiatives.
The Water Cycle Company Registration and Certification System, established in fiscal year 2024, aims to encourage corporate efforts in addressing water cycle challenges by offering certifications in two categories: Water Quantity & Quality and Human Resources & Funds. Kao secured recognition for its "Reducing Water Usage at All Sites" initiative and its "Let’s Save Water Together" educational program, becoming one of only sixteen companies to receive certification in both categories.
Kao's "Reducing Water Usage at All Sites" initiative focuses on implementing the 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in all its operations, from production to research. By optimizing water use for processes like compounding, cleaning, and cooling, Kao also aims to indirectly contribute to the conservation of crucial watersheds. This reflects a broader commitment to minimizing environmental impact across its operational footprint.
Furthermore, Kao's "Let’s Save Water Together" program engages elementary school children in Japan through an educational curriculum focused on water conservation. By extending this knowledge to families, Kao seeks to foster a culture of water responsibility among the broader community. This approach exemplifies the company’s dedication to long-term water stewardship.
These initiatives are integral to Kao’s ESG strategy, the "Kirei Lifestyle Plan," launched in 2019, and the "Kao Group Mid-term Plan," which emphasizes "protecting future lives" and "sustainability as the only path." Kao is integrating its sustainability goals into its core business practices. The company aims to develop better products and services for both consumers and society, striving towards its goal of "realizing a Kirei world in which all life lives in harmony."
Kao's commitment to water sustainability is part of its larger effort to promote a "Kirei Lifestyle" - a way of life that is both beautiful and sustainable. Through this approach, Kao seeks to empower at least one billion people to enjoy more beautiful lives by 2030, with a focus on ensuring that all of its products have a full lifecycle environmental impact that the natural world can safely absorb.
