Kao Sustainability Profile
Kao Corporation, commonly referred to as Kao, is a leading Japanese multinational company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1887, Kao has established itself as a prominent player in the consumer goods and chemical industries, with a strong presence in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The company is renowned for its innovative products in personal care, beauty, and home care, as well as its advanced chemical solutions. Kao's core offerings include skincare, haircare, and household cleaning products, distinguished by their commitment to sustainability and quality. With a focus on research and development, Kao has achieved significant milestones, including numerous awards for product excellence and environmental initiatives. As a market leader, Kao continues to enhance its global footprint while prioritising consumer satisfaction and ecological responsibility.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Kao'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 Chemicals 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
Kao's score of 92 is higher than 95% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Kao's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, Kao Corporation reported total carbon emissions of approximately 10,121,000,000 kg CO2e globally, with emissions distributed across various scopes: 503,000,000 kg CO2e (Scope 1), 112,000,000 kg CO2e (Scope 2), and a significant 10,121,000,000 kg CO2e (Scope 3). The combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions totalled about 615,000,000 kg CO2e. In Japan, the company reported Scope 1 emissions of 206,000,000 kg CO2e, with no Scope 2 emissions recorded. Kao has set ambitious reduction targets, aiming for a 55% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, using 2017 as the base year. This target is part of a broader commitment to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 22% across various categories, including purchased goods and services, upstream transportation, and end-of-life treatment of sold products. Additionally, Kao has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and carbon negativity by 2050. These commitments align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and reflect Kao's dedication to sustainable practices within the consumer durables and personal products sector. The company is actively working towards these goals, demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and addressing climate change.
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| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 657,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | - | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 379,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | - | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | 0,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is Kao's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Kao's Location?
Kao's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Kao's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 3% last year and increased by approximately 36% since 2015, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. The vast majority of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing the vast majority of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Use of Sold Products" being the largest emissions source at 41% of Scope 3 emissions.
Top Scope 3 Categories
Kao'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.
Kao 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Kao's sustainability data and climate commitments