Kao collaborates with SCGC and Dow to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions, promoting sustainability in Thailand.
PUBLISHED : 13 Dec 2023 at 13:50
Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Kao) has entered into a partnership with two esteemed global packaging experts, SCG Chemicals Co., Ltd. (SCGC) and Dow Thailand Group (Dow), to create recyclable packaging solutions. This collaboration aims to offer consumers more sustainable packaging options, prioritising high-quality packaging with a reduced carbon footprint that is also recyclable. Today, the three companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Dow Thailand’s headquarters in True Digital Park West.
Kao, a prominent manufacturer of Japanese consumer products including Attack, Biore, Haiter, Laurier, and Magiclean, intends to incorporate this new sustainable packaging into a wide range of its product portfolio in Thailand in the near future. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Kao Thailand President, Yuji Shimizu; SCGC Executive Director, Pisan Uawithya; and Dow Thailand President, Chatchai Luanpolcharoenchai.
“Kao is thrilled to collaborate with leading chemical companies like SCGC and Dow to jointly develop sustainable packaging innovations based on the 4R principles: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Replace, which align with our ESG strategy or what we call the ‘Kirei Lifestyle Plan,'” said Yuji Shimizu, Kao Thailand President. “Kao is committed to achieving Zero Carbon Emission by 2040 in an effort to help mitigate global warming and climate change issues. Therefore, our business is dedicated to energy conservation within our production plants and product design and development throughout the product lifecycle to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, we have set a target to achieve net-zero waste plastic packaging by 2040. Thus, Kao requires partners who are experts, robust, and share common goals, such as Dow and SCGC, to assist us in achieving our objectives of creating environmentally friendly packaging in a sustainable manner that genuinely benefits consumers.”
“The sustainability approach that SCGC consistently emphasises involves conducting business under the circular economy principle,” stated Pisan Uawithya, SCGC Executive Director. “This entails developing various green solutions to meet the diverse needs of brand owners and consumers who prioritise sustainability. In this collaboration with Kao, SCGC is ready to contribute expertise in the design and development of bottles and packaging bags with green plastic innovations from SCGC GREEN POLYMER™, which encompasses four main solutions: Reduce, Recyclable, Recycle, and Renewable. Our goal is to create sustainable packaging for Kao’s products and to promote the efficient use of resources in line with the circular economy principle within Thailand in a tangible way.”
“Dow is committed to supporting our customers in reducing carbon emissions and plastic waste according to the circular economy principle,” said Chatchai Luanpolcharoenchai, Dow Thailand President. “We are pleased to support Kao in the design and development of flexible packaging with key sustainability benefits. With our expertise in Thailand and Dow Pack Studio in Singapore, combined with our innovative plastics such as INNATE, ELITE, DOWLEX, and Dow PCR (REVOLOOP), we will assist Kao in creating recyclable packaging bags that minimise environmental impact and cater to consumer needs.”
This MoU will lead to the development of new materials and the utilisation of innovative technologies for designing and producing packaging for Kao brands that reduce carbon footprints and are easily recyclable. This includes both rigid (bottle) and flexible (bag) packaging, which will maintain excellent properties to protect the products inside and provide convenience for consumers.
This collaboration signifies a significant step for Kao in its journey to achieve its sustainability goals, including carbon neutrality by 2050. It also aligns with the commitment of SCGC and Dow to reduce environmental impact and employ innovation to offer more sustainable choices for Thai consumers.
