Two of Japan’s biggest cosmetics players are putting aside competitive differences to collaborate in the sustainability domain.
Going forward, Kao Corporation, whose roster of brands includes Kanebo, Sensai and Molton Brown, and Kosé Corporation, which owns Sekkisei, Decorté and Jill Stuart, will pool their strengths in a wide range of fields, including people, society and the environment to identify solutions in the cosmetics business that can contribute to a sustainable society.
The companies have pinpointed key initiatives grouped under environmental protection and societal change.
For environmental protection, Kao and Kosé plan to incorporate a wide range of environmentally friendly materials into product packaging; promote resource circulation and upcycling measures jointly; and source materials with limited environmental impact.
Under the 'solutions for social challenges' banner, the Tokyo-based duo will jointly deploy/coordinate awareness-raising activities relating to skin care, UV care, etc; and jointly deploy/coordinate awareness-raising activities relating to respect for beauty diversity.
In a joint press statement, the companies said: “Finding solutions to these challenge themes is often beyond the capacity of individual enterprises, but if corporations can collaborate in this regard, there is increasing potential for more effective, rapid achievement of results.”