Kao Group, Japan, has started to use corrugated cartons that have been accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council. This is the first trial of its kind in Japan. Kao began procurement of FSC-certified corrugated cartons in March 2016, and by the end of 2016, approximately 50% of corrugated cartons used by Kao will be FSC-certified.

Since announcing the Kao Environment Statement in 2009, the Kao Group has proactively put the environment at the center of its business activities and management decisions. As part of its activities, Kao established the Sustainable Paper and Pulp Procurement Guidelines. In the guidelines, in consideration of biodiversity conservation, Kao commits to zero deforestation for its paper and pulp procurement. 

Kao will promote the initiatives aiming to achieve the following objectives by 2020:

• Kao will purchase only recycled paper or sustainably sourced paper and pulp for use in its consumer products, packaging, and office paper.
• When Kao uses virgin pulp, it commits to zero deforestation at the source of wood fiber for raw materials.
• Kao will purchase only pulp for raw materials that is traceable to the source.