The Japanese word kirei, embodying the concepts of health, beauty and cleanliness, has been associated with Kao Corporation for decades. Though some may think it only applies to the company’s personal, home and wellness line, kirei also guides the company’s ESG (environmental, social and governance) direction , shared Mr Dave Muenz, director and managing executive officer of ESG at Kao Corporation. “For Kao, a kirei world is one where all lives exist in harmony,” he said.
“We aim to support everyone’s journey towards achieving a kirei lifestyle through our products and contributions, benefiting both people and the planet.” AMPLIFYING KIREI WITH PARTNERSHIPS To fulfil its vision of a kirei lifestyle, Kao is consistently developing new products that enhance well-being and implementing more sustainable practices within its operations. Additionally, the organisation is fine-tuning its ESG strategy to redefine corporate responsibility and help consumers adopt sustainable lifestyles.
“We’ve begun considering how we can empower people and create a multiplier effect in communities,” said Mr Muenz. “Being present in a community comes with responsibilities, such as improving public health and ensuring we leave things better than we found them.” One result of this ESG-driven commitment is Kao’s participation in Thailand’s battle against mosquito-borne infectious diseases like dengue, through projects such as the GUARD OUR FUTURE initiative in Southeast Asia.
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