Essentials for daily life: The Japanese consumer goods manufacturer Kao has partnered with Cosmetics Europe for the BBC StoryWorks film series “Essentials For Daily Life,” which takes a look at how the cosmetics sector is enhancing people’s lives, supporting the planet and improving products.
With its longstanding focus on environmentally friendly product innovation, Kao is one of 16 companies and associations of the cosmetics and personal care sector that are featured in the series, which launched today at https://essentialsfordailylife.cosmeticseurope.eu/.
The documentary “The Refill Revolution” shows how Kao has revolutionized the Japanese household and personal care market with its unique refill packs that have reduced the amount of plastic used in these categories by more than 70% versus a do-nothing scenario.
“To achieve true change it’s not going to be one company or one government, it’s going to take all of us working together,” says Dave Muenz, Senior Vice President ESG at Kao in the series’ film “The Refill Revolution,” underlining the importance of collaboration in the field of sustainability.
Essentials for daily life: Kao’s Efforts and Innovations on Plastic
The short documentary as part of the cross-company project shows how Kao has been supporting consumers in leading a more sustainable life for nearly 30 years. In 1991, the company introduced a refill packaging system that serves both the environment as well as the consumer through its unique product design.
The refill pouches are produced with a thin plastic film that significantly reduces the amount of plastic needed and enables consumers to use up even the last drop of product. “We have been able to convert 80% of all packages purchased in the household and personal care categories here in Japan to these thin film refillable packages,” Dave Muenz points out.
Essentials for daily life: Kao’s Efforts and Innovations on Plastic
“That has resulted in a 74% reduction in the sheer amount of plastic that is used in those categories.”
