Kao Listed in World’s Most Ethical Companies

3 March 2022

Our supplier, Kao Corporation, has been listed in the world’s most ethical companies for 2022 by Etisphere for the 15th consecutive year. They have announced that they have achieved climate neutral status across their site in the UK and Journey. This is just the start of their journey to become more sustainable.

Kao’s head office is based in Japan with various sites around the world. Stort Group represents Kao in the UK for their aroma chemicals including MDJ (Hedione), Boisambrene Forte, Gamma Lactones and Ambroxan.

Working with Climate Partner, Kao aim to reduce global carbon emissions to zero by 2040 and become carbon negative by 2050. Climate Partner work with companies to find climate action solutions by looking at their carbon footprints, identifying biggest emission sources and sustainable future countermeasure. They then provide tailor made solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

Kao’s steps include:

  • Switching to 100% renewable electricity since 2014
  • Reducing energy consumption by 31% since 2010
  • Cutting water waste by over 12% in 2016
  • Switching to sustainably sourced, FSC cert. paper in 2015
  • Switching to low energy consuming cold mixing processes

To continue their journey to achieve zero carbon emissions, Kao are reducing water consumption, implementing low-energy processes, and reducing waste. On top of this, they are working towards certifying some brands and products as climate neutral.

Carbon Off-Setting

Some emissions are unavoidable, and through Climate Partner, Kao are working with offset these with various activities including supporting a wind farm project in Morocco. This project reduces the countries dependence on fossil fuels and also empowers women in the region by improving their economic and social status. The electricity generated is fed into the national grid and is aligned with UN sustainable development goals.

Kao have also teamed up with a Japanese rival cosmetics player to work together in developing solutions to help the beauty industry move towards sustainability. This includes eco-friendly packaging and raising awareness of diversity issues to bring about social change.

The Stort Group is always proud to see our suppliers leading the way in environmental change and are so pleased to see that carbon emissions continues to be one of Kao’s key priorities.