Kao Corporation released progress reports on its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy—the Kirei Lifestyle Plan.

Details of its progress is released in the Kao Sustainability Report 2023. It includes three Kao commitments in the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, an analysis of the relationship between Kao’s business and biodiversity and progress on targets based on the findings of an employee engagement survey.

The Kirei Lifestyle Plan is Kao’s ESG strategy that includes 19 leadership action themes to achieve a sustainable and desirable way of living.

The Japanese word ‘kirei’ describes something that is both clean and beautiful. For Kao, Kirei not only encapsulates appearance, but also attitude—to create beauty for oneself, other people, and for the world around us.

Since its start in 2021, the Kao Group Mid-term Plan 2025 (K25) has proclaimed “protecting future lives” and promoting “sustainability as the only path” as its vision. The Kao Group will continue to integrate its ESG strategy into its management practices. It will also develop its business, provide better products and services for consumers and society, and work toward its purpose “to realize a Kirei world in which all life lives in harmony.”

Dave Muenz, director, managing executive officer in charge of Kao’s ESG Division, says. “The global landscape continues to evolve rapidly, becoming more complex and presenting new challenges. It is increasingly important that we drive forward our ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, to realize a truly sustainable society while enhancing our business and minimizing risks.”

Looking towards 2030, Kao says its progress includes the launch of Bioré Guard Mos Block Serum to save future lives in Thailand through a unique technology and key partnerships. Muenz says, “We analyzed the relationship between our business and biodiversity using the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures approach to identify material issues and ultimately diminish adverse impacts on nature and regenerate biodiversity loss.”

Muenz continues, “Our efforts in the palm oil supply chain saw the launch of the grievance mechanism for smallholders in Indonesia, aiming to provide a voice for rightsholders in higher risk environments.”

He adds, “We will continue to evolve our efforts towards creating a Kirei Life for all, together with our partners and communities.”

Kao’s portfolio includes Attack, Bioré, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries, and Molton Brown.