SUPPLIER
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Stated attributes
Publicly stated commitments — not necessarily independently verified.
Kao Corp.
Household/Personal CareHeadquartered in Japan
Kao Corporation is a major Japanese consumer goods and chemicals manufacturer with ambitious climate commitments: carbon zero by 2040, Science Based Targets-certified 55% Scope 1+2 emissions cuts by 2030, and net-zero plastic packaging by 2040. However, supply chain oversight faces serious scrutiny—activist investor Oasis Management alleged in 2026 that Kao sources from suppliers linked to deforestation and human rights violations (forced labor, child labor, sexual abuse), and that Kao's supply chain verification relies on low-integrity 'Book & Claim' certification covering only ~6% of palm oil. Despite adopting a No Deforestation policy in 2022 and a Human Rights Policy aligned with UN standards, the company's own assessments claim zero forced labor or child labor risks, contradicting whistleblower allegations and third-party research.
- Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) ↗
- Ethisphere - World's Most Ethical Companies ↗
- Renewable energy
- Net-zero target
- Sustainable packaging
- Waste reduction
- No forced labor
- No child labor
- Supplier code of conduct
- DEI policy
How Kao Corp. scores
Three pillars, scored independently. Higher is better.
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Environmental45Likely fair
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Labor35Likely fair
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Compliance47.1Likely fair
What Kao Corp. does well
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Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitment
Kao has had its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, committing to emissions reductions in line with climate science across Scopes 1, 2, and 3.
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UN Global Compact signatory
Kao Corporation is a signatory to the UN Global Compact, committing to its ten principles covering human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, and submits annual Communication on Progress reports.
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CDP climate disclosure participation
Kao participates in CDP climate disclosure, reporting on its greenhouse gas emissions, climate-related risks, and reduction strategies on an annual basis.
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ISO 14001 certification at manufacturing sites
Multiple Kao manufacturing facilities hold ISO 14001 environmental management system certification, as disclosed in the company's sustainability reports.
Controversies
Reported issues Leif found in public sources. Their presence lowers the rating.
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Microplastics in personal care products
Kao, along with other major personal care manufacturers, faced scrutiny from environmental groups regarding the use of microplastic ingredients in rinse-off cosmetic and personal care products, an issue that gained regulatory attention in Japan and internationally in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
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Palm oil supply chain deforestation concerns
Kao was identified in reports by environmental NGOs as sourcing palm oil from suppliers linked to deforestation in Southeast Asia, with concerns raised about the traceability and sustainability of its palm oil supply chain in the early 2020s.
The detail
Environment
Kao publishes an annual sustainability report and has disclosed greenhouse gas emissions data through CDP. According to the company's sustainability reporting, Kao has set targets under its 'Kirei Lifestyle Plan' to reduce CO2 emissions across its value chain and has reported progress toward increasing the use of renewable energy in its operations. The company has stated commitments to reducing plastic packaging and increasing the use of recycled or bio-based materials, and has reported on water usage reduction targets in manufacturing. Kao holds ISO 14001 environmental management system certification across a number of its manufacturing sites.
Labor
Kao publishes information on its supply chain management practices, including a Supplier Code of Conduct that addresses labor standards such as prohibitions on child labor and forced labor. The company conducts supplier audits and has disclosed information on its human rights due diligence processes in alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Kao reports on workforce diversity metrics, including gender representation in management, in its annual sustainability disclosures. The company has manufacturing and sourcing operations across Asia, including Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, where labor conditions in the broader industry are a known area of scrutiny.
Kao Corp. products on Amazon
4 products from Kao Corp., sold on Amazon (US). Leif earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Leif's rating reflects an independent sustainability assessment of the brand — drawing on
disclosures, third-party certifications, and public information on its practices — not customer reviews.
Ratings are directional, not precise scores.
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