Kakao Sustainability Profile
Kakao Corporation, commonly referred to as Kakao, is a leading South Korean technology company headquartered in Jeju, South Korea. Founded in 2010, Kakao has rapidly evolved within the digital landscape, primarily focusing on mobile messaging, social networking, and various online services. The company is renowned for its flagship product, KakaoTalk, a widely used messaging app that integrates diverse functionalities, including payment services and gaming. Kakao's unique ecosystem also encompasses Kakao Games, Kakao Pay, and Kakao Music, positioning it as a significant player in the South Korean tech industry. With a strong market presence and a commitment to innovation, Kakao has achieved notable milestones, including strategic partnerships and expansions into international markets, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in the digital communication and entertainment sectors.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Kakao's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Industry Average
Mean score of companies in the Recreation and Sports Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Industry Benchmark
Kakao's score of 63 is higher than 80% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Kakao's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, Kakao's global carbon emissions totalled approximately 96,633,000 kg CO2e, comprising 520,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1, 96,113,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2, and 57,248,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions. The company has reported a significant increase in emissions compared to 2023, where total emissions were about 53,784,000 kg CO2e globally, with Scope 1 emissions at 358,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at approximately 53,426,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at around 75,992,000 kg CO2e. Kakao has made commitments to reduce its carbon footprint, although specific reduction targets have been removed or expired. As of May 2022, the company had a near-term target status classified as "Committed," but it has since been noted that commitments have been removed. There are currently no net-zero commitments or long-term reduction targets in place. The emissions data is sourced directly from Kakao Corp., with no cascading from a parent or related organization. The company operates within the software and services sector in South Korea and is actively working towards improving its sustainability practices, although specific initiatives or future targets have not been disclosed.
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| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 220,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 3,413,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 82,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is Kakao's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Kakao's Location?
Kakao's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Kakao's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 25% last year and increased significantly since 2017, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. A significant portion of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 37% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Capital Goods" being the largest emissions source at 43% of Scope 3 emissions.
Top Scope 3 Categories
Kakao's Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Kakao has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
