Environmental, Social & Governance
The Kao Corporation, which includes Kao, recognises its responsibility to face global challenges like climate change, ageing societies, resource scarcity and materials management, such as plastics. Our ESG initiative is called “The Kirei Lifestyle Plan.”
What is The Kirei Lifestyle Plan?
From its beginning 130 years ago, the company set out with the philosophy “to enrich every life that we touch.” The Kirei Lifestyle Plan continues the tradition of the founder, Tomiro Nagase. The Japanese word ‘Kirei’ describes something clean, well-ordered and beautiful, all at the same time. Kirei embodies appearance and attitude – seeking to create beauty for oneself and other people and the natural world.
How We Move Forward
The Kao Corporation set three bold commitments as the foundation of the ESG strategy to achieve by 2030. To succeed, the company will rely on our 33,000 employees worldwide to make a difference. Already, Kao has brought innovative packaging to the market that reduces plastic use by 50%.
Make my every day more beautiful
Empower at least 1 billion people to enjoy more beautiful lives – greater cleanliness, easier ageing, better health, and confidence in self-expression.
Making thoughtful choices for society
Across all Kao brands, make it easy for people to make small but meaningful choices that, together, will shape a more resilient and compassionate society.
Making the world healthier and cleaner
All Kao products will leave a full life cycle environmental footprint that science says our natural world can safely absorb.
What This Means for Industrial Printers
As a global brand serving a worldwide network of industrial printers, packagers, and distributors, Kao seeks to apply the Kirei Lifestyle initiatives throughout the supply chain.
- Formulating innovative ink solutions that reduce the environmental impact of industrial printing operations
- Diversifying our network of distributors to promote fairness in markets and competition
- Providing customers with technical support that advances their sustainability goals
Benchmarks for Success
To achieve success, Kao is looking inward to define clear, measurable benchmarks to evaluate progress toward our goals for 2030.
We have created detailed measurements in these critical areas:
- Effective Corporate Governance
- Full Transparency
- Respecting Human Rights
- Inclusive and Diverse Workplaces
- Employee Well-being and Safety
- Human Capital Development
- Responsible Chemicals Management
Read more about Kao Corporation and our commitment to the highest ESG standards