The Kao Corporation uses polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material that has been chemically recycled for the inner plate of their makeup foundation. The PET is produced by PET Refine Technology Co., Ltd. using Jeplan's chemical recycling technology.

It is anticipated that the programme will minimise the quantity of virgin plastic used by Kao in the makeup area. According to Kao, it promotes sustainable production and works to realise horizontal recycling of plastic cosmetic containers.

Kao began using chemically-recycled PET materials for its Twany skin care product containers more than a year ago. Since then, Kao has expanded its use to several brands. Kao is also collaborating with Jeplan on a horizontal recycling field test in which used cosmetics bottles collected from clients at stores are converted into new plastic cosmetic bottles.

Historically, powder foundations could be used repeatedly by refilling the compact case. Depending on the characteristics of the product, the refill may consist of a PET or aluminium inner plate.

The inner plate, which is now made of virgin PET, will be gradually replaced with recycled PET of the same quality. Kao continues to advocate for more eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices.

In the future, Kao stated that it would research alternative measures to achieve horizontal recycling and realise plastic circularity in society, similar to the plastic bottles that use chemically recovered PET materials.

The Kao Group launched its ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, in April 2019 and has designated "zero waste" as one of its leadership action themes. The recycling field test is a project that contributes to this issue of leadership action. Kao asserts that it aims to attain plastic circularity in society by employing recycled plastic in Japan's plastic packaging containers on a large scale, in addition to the many ways already employed.

Source: happi

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