Kao Corporation (TOKYO: 4452), led by President and CEO Yoshihiro Hasebe, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Charoen Pokphand (C.P.) Group, Thailand’s largest conglomerate, to promote a sustainable future in Thailand. This collaboration will focus on offering environmentally friendly products in the daily goods sector and advancing sustainable initiatives in the chemical business. The partnership marks Kao’s 60th anniversary in Thailand, reflecting its commitment to improving the lives of Thai people through global cooperation.
Kao’s mid-term strategy, “K27,” prioritizes developing Global Sharp Top businesses and fostering partnerships to create new business models. Kao Thailand will act as a model for the expansion of Kao Group’s global operations, contributing to the development of innovative approaches.
Kao began operations in Thailand in 1964 and introduced the country’s first powdered shampoo, “Feather Shampoo,” in 1967. By 1972, the company had also launched its chemical business. Currently, Kao offers 11 everyday consumer brands in Thailand, including Attack, Bioré, and Merries. Recently, the company developed a mosquito repellent without synthetic chemicals, targeting the threat of dengue fever in Southeast Asia, which was first launched in Thailand. Kao is also involved in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, collaborating with various sectors to reduce dengue fever cases and address social challenges.
C.P. Group, established in 1921, operates with the philosophy of “benefiting the country, the people, and the company.” It has expanded across retail (notably through 7-Eleven stores), distribution, agriculture, and industrial sectors, promoting sustainability in all its operations and delivering products with social, economic, and environmental responsibility.
Collaboration Details
Under a shared vision of supporting the future of Thai children, Kao and C.P. Group will collaborate on several ESG-focused initiatives, aiming to achieve a sustainable future through joint efforts:
- Co-development of sustainable consumer products: Kao and C.P. Group will work together to create a new house brand featuring environmentally friendly products, leveraging Kao’s innovative technologies to support sustainability.
- Exclusive product supply: Kao will supply C.P. Group with a selection of eco-friendly products to be featured in C.P. Group’s stores.
- Exploration of opportunities in the chemical business: Both companies will explore further collaborations in Kao’s chemical business.
- Addressing social issues: Kao and C.P. Group will also cooperate to develop products and solutions that benefit C.P. Group’s related industries, combining their expertise to tackle pressing social challenges in Thailand.
The partnership between Kao and C.P. Group represents a significant step toward fostering sustainability and creating a lasting positive impact on Thai society.
