That is why Kao launched its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy last year: the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, used by the company to encourage consumers to implement sustainable lifestyle changes. The Japanese word kirei denotes beautiful, clean and ordered.
Holsink continues: “We produce everything according to a vision based on kirei. CO2 reduction and zero waste are currently our main objectives.”
Since the launch of the new sustainability policy, the ESG divisional headquarters have been located in Tokyo. “We believe that ESG should be fully embedded in our business strategy”, says Holsink. But the company does not do this alone. “We work together with universities, experts and industry partners to develop ESG-driven innovations.”
Centrally located in Amersfoort
Amersfoort has been home to Kao Benelux since 2014. Holsink and Grootentraast agree that opting for this location was based on a conscious, well-thought-out decision.
“Centrally located and surrounded by beautiful landscapes, Amersfoort affords excellent accessibility for the many foreign delegations that visit us”, says Holsink. “They can be in Amersfoort from Schiphol Airport in no time at all or can arrive via the high-speed ICE train from Frankfurt, which stops in Utrecht. Our office is easily accessible by public transport and, thanks to the road network, you can head out in any direction from Amersfoort.”
For the complete interview, check out the Amersfoort Business website (in Dutch).