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  • KAI Group Initiatives
  • Sustainability Commitment

KAI Group works together with all stakeholders to protect the natural environment, daily life, and future sustainability, while collaborating with society and the supply chain to promote continuous development.

SDG Action

We specify the SDG goals closely related to key areas of our business activities along the value chain. By enhancing positive impacts and reducing negative ones, we aim to promote sustainable development.

SalesServices Waste disposal and recycling Production Downstream Stock Procurement and rocessing requests(Suppliers) Disposal of product-derived waste logistics logistics logistics logistics Raw materials Reinforcing Positive Impacts Minimizing Negative Impacts Upstream Reduction of greenhouse gases・Circular Manufacturing・Environmentally friendly products Reduction of greenhouse gases Reduction of greenhouse gasesCircular ManufacturingEnvironmentally friendly products Reduction of greenhouse gases Reduction of greenhouse gases・Circular Manufacturing・Maintenance ・Circular Manufacturing・Environmentally friendly products・Long life Responsible procurement Responsible logistics ・Manufacturing products that support daily lifeResponsible manufacturing (governance,human rights) ・Health promotionRefreshing Everyday life・Life with a flavor Partnership
Reinforcing Positive Impacts Minimizing Negative Impacts SalesServices Waste disposal and recycling Production Downstream Stock Procurement and rocessing requests(Suppliers) Disposal of product-derived waste logistics logistics logistics logistics Raw materials Upstream Reduction of greenhouse gases・Circular Manufacturing・Environmentally friendly products Reduction of greenhouse gases Reduction of greenhouse gases・Circular Manufacturing・Environmentally friendly products Reduction of greenhouse gases Reduction of greenhouse gases・Circular Manufacturing・Maintenance ・Circular Manufacturing・Environmentally friendly products・Long life Partnership ・Health promotionRefreshing Everyday life・Life with a flavor ・Manufacturing products that support daily life・Responsible manufacturing (governance, human rights) Responsible logistics Responsible procurement

※Designed with the reference to the SDG Compass (FY2021);
Revised: March 2025

Increase Positive Impacts and Reduce Negative Impacts

正の影響の強化
負の影響の低減
正の影響の強化
Responsible
Procurement

Engage in responsible manufacturing and procurement throughout the supply chain.
(Participation in the Supplier Ethics Information Sharing Platform [Sedex*])

Employee Safety
and Health

Maintenance and activities for health, safety, and compliance.

Health Promotion

Provide tools for safe and secure medical care.

Tools for Life

Provide tools for a refreshing and enjoyable lifestyle.

負の影響の低減
Environmentally Friendly Products

Use recycled materials for products. Use FSC-certified paper for packaging to conserve forests. Replace plastics with paper as part of the effort to reduce plastics.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Switch to renewable energy resources for electricity and install solar power generation systems (PPA Power Purchase Agreement). Replace company vehicles with lower environmental impact models.

Promote Material Recycling

Promote initiatives from collection to recycling. Encourage the use of recycled materials.

Educate to use materials for a long time.

Offer sharpening services for kitchen knives. Increase the sales of whetstones to educate people about the importance of sharpening and using kitchen knives for a long time.

Sustainability Resources

1
Sustainability at the KAI Group

Coming soon

2
Map of Business and SDG Connections

This document shows which SDG goals and targets are linked to each of our business activities.

View PDF file
3
SDGs Booklet

An easy-to-understand summary of the KAI Group's SDG initiatives.

View Japanese PDF View English PDF View Chinese PDF

Governance

KAI Group complies with the laws and social regulations of each country and region to create fair, transparent and free competition with appropriate transactions. We will improve our corporate governance system and become a company that society can trust.

Combine Sustainability with Business Management

Sustainability Promotion Department proposes and reports new initiatives to the Management Meeting every month to make the decision-making process more efficient.

Compliance System

The Compliance Committee is composed of representatives from all relevant departments.
The Compliance Committee gathers compliance-related initiatives and information and reports them to the Management Meeting to make the decision-making process more efficient.

  • Comply with laws and regulations. Provide guidance to each department.
  • Comply with labor, health and safety regulations. Provide guidance to each department.
  • Conduct compliance training.
  • Comply with information security. Provide guidance to each department.
  • Conduct internal audits on outsourcing personal information.
  • Advice to overseas offices about compliance management.

Etc

KAI Group Stakeholder Engagement

KAI Group believes that relationships with various stakeholders, including individuals, companies, organizations, employees, and local communities, are of utmost importance in order to create social and business value, and we are committed to proactively engaging with them.

Stakeholders
Tools and Actions
Customers
  • Customer Service Office (manufacturing)
  • Website/Social Media (information transmission)
  • Various Events
Business Partners
  • Mutual company visits and information sharing
  • Sharing of standards for quality/safety management, etc.
  • Maintaining fair trade practices
Employees
  • Creating a Workplace Environment
  • Self-reporting system
  • In-house magazine and other internal media
  • Compliance System
Local community
  • Contributions to the local community
    (donations, support for activities, etc.)
  • Consideration for the base's neighborhood
    (management of appropriate employee behavior)
  • Contributions through Foundation activities
    (awards and grants)
Government
  • Guideline operation in line with laws and regulations
  • Compliance System
Experts and
Specialists
  • Cooperation in product creation
    (culinary experts, medical experts, etc.)
  • Creation of collaboration opportunities
    (e.g. event sponsorships)
  • Visualization of the current situation with expert knowledge
    (e.g. initiatives in the SDGs)

We are committed to responsible manufacturing and sourcing throughout our supply chain.

We promote responsible procurement and manufacturing together with our suppliers for co-prosperity with a sustainable society.
We would like to familiarize our suppliers with the “KAI Group Basic Rules for Sustainable Manufacturing Responsibility.” And through joining Sedex, we promote responsible supply chain management (respect and protection of human rights, environmental conservation, and compliance with laws and regulations).

KAI Group Basic Rules for Sustainable Manufacturing Responsibility (Excerpt)

1)
Compliance
2)
Consideration for human rights, labor, and safety
3)
Quality
4)
Healthy relationships with local communities and stakeholders
5)
Consideration for the global environment
6)
Monitoring

Full Text of KAI Group Basic Rules for Sustainable Manufacturing Responsibility(Third Edition)

Subscription to supplier ethical information sharing platform (Sedex*)

KAI Group joined Sedex in 2021.
We are a Sedex member and are committed to responsible sourcing and building an ethical and sustainable supply chain. Using Sedex tools and services, we work with our suppliers to maintain safe, ethical, and sustainable business practices and protect the working conditions of those working in our supply chain.

*Abbreviation of Supplier Ethical Data Exchange

Environmental Initiatives

Environmental Policy

KAI Group will continue to build our value chain with two themes: minimizing environmental impact and expanding our product value proposition based on the KAI Group Policy for Business Sustainability.

1Responsible Procurement

We will not only reduce the burden on the environment but also fulfill our social responsibilities, including the promotion of appropriate and honest business practices, by promoting sustainable procurement.

2Resource Saving and Recycling

We will focus on further promoting resource and energy - saving activities at each business site, waste reduction and recycling through separation of waste.

3Reduction of Environmental Impact of Products

We will give priority to environmentally friendly development processes throughout the product life cycle from obtaining raw materials to discarding of the products.

4Greenhouse Gas Reduction

We recognize climate change as a serious global issue and will develop a plan from a long-term perspective to become carbon neutral and work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

5Public Disclosure and Awareness

We will proactively disclose matters related to our environmental impact and environmental considerations and will continuously make the utmost efforts with our partners.

Environmental Action

Environmental Action for 2030

In pursuit of a sustainable society and shared prosperity, the KAI Group is working to reduce environmental impacts.
From production to disposal, we are taking action in six areas based on specific policies.

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

We will promote a phased plan to reduce emissions, aiming for a 50% share of renewable energy use by 2030.
We are also working on calculating greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 3) from purchased raw materials and waste.

Recycling of Business Site Waste

We will promote recycling of waste generated at domestic business sites.
For overseas business sites, we will develop frameworks for advancing a recycling plan.

Eco-friendly Packaging Materials

We are shifting to sustainable packaging materials, aiming for full transition by 2030.
As of 2024, 86% of newly adopted packaging materials are eco-friendly.

Product Recycling

From self-manufactured products to those sourced externally, we will strengthen initiatives for recovery and recycling.
We will also establish a flow that links collection, recycling, and the use of recycled resources.

Eco-friendly Raw Materials

We are setting targets such as “reducing CO₂ emissions by 50% in milling processes at the Seki Plant by 2030.”
We will promote environmentally friendly material procurement and work together with suppliers toward these goals.

Responsible Procurement

To contribute to a sustainable society, we will promote CSR procurement and responsible sourcing.
We will advance supplier evaluations and initiatives to improve transparency across the supply chain.

Target Setting for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Reduction

Report on business site emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from 2019 to 2023.

  • Calculation period April 2019 to March 2024
  • Includes Endo Saijiro Memorial Foundation for Science and Technology
  • In the calculation of GHG emissions, we are cooperating with WasteBox Co.
  • Emission factors for each year are used in the calculation of GHG emissions.

Initiative on Renewable Energy

The KAI Group is promoting a phased plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We are also progressing with the transition to renewable energy, with a target of achieving a 50% share of renewable energy by 2030.
Our overseas sites, the Shanghai and India factories, have also introduced PPAs and are utilizing electricity generated from renewable energy sources.

On-site Power Generation

We have introduced a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) at the Niigata Distribution Center. Electricity generated by solar power is supplied as renewable energy to the Niigata Distribution Center, the Tokyo headquarters, and the Fukuoka branch.

Overview of the PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)

At the Niigata Distribution Center, a solar power plant has been installed and is operated under a PPA scheme. The CO₂-free renewable energy generated is supplied to the Niigata Distribution Center and other facilities through a self-consumption service.

Headquarters and Offices – Electricity

The electricity at the Tokyo headquarter has been switched to renewable energy supplied from the Niigata Distribution Center.

The electricity at the Fukuoka branch has been switched to renewable energy supplied from the Niigata Distribution Center.

The electricity at our overseas factory, KAI USA, is 100% sourced from renewable energy generated by hydropower.

Replacement of Company Vehicles with Low-Emission Models

The KAI Group is gradually replacing company vehicles with models that have a lower environmental impact.

Transition to Hybrid Vehicles(HV)

When replacing gasoline and diesel vehicles, we are transitioning to hybrid vehicles (HVs).

Adoption of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)

We have installed charging facilities at the Fukuoka branch and Kai Europe and introduced a total of two PHEVs.

Adoption of Electric Vehicles (EV)

We installed charging facilities at our domestic factory and the Shanghai factory and introduced a total of three electric vehicles (EVs).

Adoption of Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV)

We introduced one fuel cell vehicle (FCV) at the Tokyo store as part of a pilot implementation.

Initiatives for Resource Recycling manufacturing

Solving Resource Problems and Preventing Global Warming

We view materials, production, sales, use, disposal, collection, sorting, and recycling (resource recovery) as a single chain to facilitate recycling. We also promote the use of recycled materials and biomass materials (carbon-circulating materials).

Reduction of product material environmental impacts

Adoption of Recycled Plastics

The use of recycled plastic reduces the use of new petroleum-based plastic and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Global warming, the cause of climate change, is due to an increase in greenhouse gases. One of the causes of the increase in greenhouse gases is that carbon (petroleum) stored underground becomes carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas, when it is released above ground and burned. Reducing the use of plastics made from petroleum will lead to a reduction in the amount of carbon released above the ground, thereby reducing greenhouse gases.

Recycled plastic is a recyclable material made from carbon (plastic) that has already been released above the ground. Since it does not release new underground carbon above the ground, it does not increase the amount of carbon above the ground, making it a material that can be used to reduce greenhouse gases.

素材ベースでバージン材を再生材に置き換えた場合、約80%のCO₂削減になります
Environmental Contribution Element

Using recycled materials reduces the use of materials made from petroleum. Because petroleum (fossil fuel) is made from carbon (C) under the ground, when it is mined and burned, it increases greenhouse gases (CO2) in the atmosphere and causes global warming. On the other hand, recycled plastics are made from carbon that is already in the ground, so it does not increase greenhouse gases (in terms of materials) in the ground and helps prevent global warming.

miness Razor for Body with Spare Blades 2pcs

Used part Holder
Material Recycled plastic

ECOMONO Eyelash Curler

Used part Main Body
Material Recycled plastic

Use of Paper Materials

Paper Razor

Environmental Contribution Element

The main body replaces the material with paper and reduces the plastic by 90%. Reducing the use of plastic from petroleum also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps prevent global warming.

Used part Main Body
Material Paper

Use of biomass mixed with materials

ECOMONO Roll Brush

Environmental Contribution Element

Using biomass plastic mixed with disposed coconuts reduces the use of plastic from petroleum and helps prevent global warming

Used part Holder
Material Use of biomass mixed with materials

Use of LIMEX

ECOMONO Standard Brush L

Environmental Contribution Element

LIMEX is a material made mainly of limestone mixed with plastic. Using LIMEX reduces the use of plastic from petroleum and helps prevent global warming

Used part Holder
Material LIMEX

Use of FSC - certified wood

Shun Hinoki Cutting Board, Angle Edge

Environmental Contribution Element

FSC is an international forest management certification. Using the wood from these forests leads to the sustainable conservation of forest resources.

Used part Handle
Material FSC-certificated Wood

Use of a Single Material

Environmental Contribution Element

This product is mono materialized for easy material recycling. Many products have a plastic handle, but it is difficult to recycle because the metal and plastic are bonded. On the other hand, products made only of stainless steel are easier to recycle into stainless steel. Also, not using plastic leads to not using petroleum (as for the materials). The energy used in steel manufacturing will be lower CO2. In the future, the environmental impact of stainless steels mono-materials is expected to decrease.

Used part Main Body
Material Stainless

Seki Magaroku Premium Haircut Scissors

Seki Magaroku Shoso Paring Knife 90mm

Replaceable

Multi-use Brush for Eyebrows

Environmental Contribution Element

Replaceable brushes on the resin part reduce the amount of material used for the handle.

Used part Brushes

Maintenance and long-term use

Environmental Contribution Element

Maintaining kitchen knives by sharpening and removing rust, and using them longer, reduces the energy consumed in manufacturing materials. Also, food cut with sharpened kitchen knives tastes more delicious.

SELECT100 Sharpener

Seki Magaroku Rust Eraser

Energy Efficient

Boiled Egg Maker

Environmental Contribution Element

Cooking with microwave ovens reduces environmental impact. When cooking food, electricity is said to be more energy efficient than gas and makes a lower environmental impact (CO2 emissions). Similarly, when boiling eggs, electricity makes a lower environmental impact than gas.

How to Cut Vegetables Guide

“Vegetable Overcutting” is a major food loss problem in the home. Cutting vegetables without waste is an action you can take today. Let's learn how to cut vegetables in this short video.

Product packaging materials

Paper Packaging

Environmental Contribution Element

The most common retail packaging is PET blister and PET boxes, which use a lot of plastic. Using paper materials reduces the use of plastic and greenhouse gas emissions and helps prevent global warming.

miness Razor for Body with Spare Blades 2pcs

Paper Razor

Efforts to reduce the number of parts

ECOMONO Standard Brush L

Environmental Contribution Element

Reduce the number of parts and environmental impact. PET box packaging is generally combined with a product backing card, but removing the backing card also reduces the materials used for the backing card and the energy used to manufacture and transport it.

Efforts to Reduce Weight

Environmental Contribution Element

Reducing the size of plastic parts reduces the use of plastic and greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions and helps prevent global warming.

Convex Tweezer Mini (Silver)

Surutto (Tweezer)

Minimum Package

Compact Eyelash Curler (Red)

Environmental Contribution Element

Minimizing the size of the package and reducing the use of plastic reduces greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions and helps prevent global warming.

Use of biomass ink

UV Protection Puff

By using biomass ink made from discarded palm parts, we reduce the use of plastic from petroleum and help prevent global warming.

Items made with FSC-certified paper

Use FSC-certified paper, which leads to forest conservation

FSC is a certification for responsible forest management and the responsible sourcing of forest products that are environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically sustainable. Consumers can support the conservation of the world’s forests by purchasing products labeled with the FSC mark. The preservation forests that absorb greenhouse gases (CO2) also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

Product Examples

miness
Razor for Body with Spare Blades 2pcs

ECOMONO
Eyelash Curler

CREATOOL New Standard Nail Clipper M

Seki Magaroku
Premium Nail Clipper type101S

AUGER Electric Face & Nose Trimmer

Mini Maru Multi Glass File

Eyebrow Scissors DX with Comb

Seki Magaroku Amairo
Santoku 165mm

Seki Magoroku Rust Eraser

Seki Magaroku
All Stainless Peeler

Mini Muffin Mold (12 Cups)

Greek Yogurt Maker (Standard)

kiricon Spoon

Use of recycled materials

Use of PET resins mixed with recycled materials to reduce greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions

The use of PET boxes and blisters made with 70% or 80% recycled PET material reduces greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions by approximately 50% to 60% compared to material made with all plastic, contributing to the prevention of global warming.

Product Examples

Hime Tsubaki Paddle Brush S

ECOMONO
Eyelash Curler

CREATOOL New Standard Nail Clipper M

Seki Magaroku
Premium Nail Clipper type101S

AUGER
Eyebrow Comb

Mini Maru
Lip Brush (Round)

Eyebrow Scissors DX with Comb

Poly Hair Brush L (Comfortable for Hair and Scalp) Nuance Red

Seki Magaroku Amairo
Santoku 165mm

Seki Magaroku
All Stainless Peeler

Seki Magoroku Rust Eraser

Silicone Muffin Mold (4 Cups)

Responsible procurement

Through sustainable and responsible procurement
Contributing to society

  • 12.2 Sustainable resource procurement
Creating New Value

Aim toward the sharing and co-creation of social value through manufacturing

  • 4.4 Technical and professional skills development
  • 12.8 Responding to changing lifestyles
Health promotion

Through safe and secure healthcare
Staying healthy

  • 3.8 Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Refreshing Everyday life

For refreshing and beautiful days
Tools to accompany you

  • 12.8 Responding to changing lifestyles
Life with a flavor

For a tasteful everyday life
Tools for healthy eating

  • 12.8 Responding to changing lifestyles
Partnership

With all stakeholders
Continuing to work together

  • 17.17 Working with partners
Reduction of greenhouse gases

Increase the proportion of renewable energy
Aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

  • 13.1 Reduce environmental impact
Circular Manufacturing

Materials → Manufacturing → Recycling
Disposal → Recycling Establishment of a circular value chain

  • 12.1 Sustainable production and consumption
  • 13.1 Reducing environmental impact
Environmentally friendly products

Earth-friendly materials
Active Use

  • 12.1 12.2 13.1 14.1 15.1
    Reduction of global environmental impact
Reduction of greenhouse gases

Increase the proportion of renewable energy
Aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

  • 7.2 Increase share of renewable energy
  • 13.1 Reduce environmental impact
Reduction of greenhouse gases

Increase the proportion of renewable energy
Aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

  • 7.2 Increase share of renewable energy
  • 13.1 Reduce environmental impact
Circular Manufacturing

Materials → Manufacturing → Recycling
Disposal → Recycling Establishment of a circular value chain

  • 12.1 Sustainable production and consumption
  • 13.1 Reducing environmental impact
Environmentally friendly products

Earth-friendly materials
Active Use

  • 12.1 12.2 13.1 14.1 15.1
    Reduction of global environmental impact
Reduction of greenhouse gases

Increase the proportion of renewable energy
Aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

  • 7.2 Increase share of renewable energy
  • 13.1 Reduce environmental impact
Circular Manufacturing

Materials → Manufacturing → Recycling
Disposal → Recycling Establishment of a circular value chain

  • 12.1 Sustainable production and consumption
  • 13.1 Reducing environmental impact
Circular Manufacturing

Materials → Manufacturing → Recycling
Disposal → Recycling Establishment of a circular value chain

  • 12.1 Sustainable production and consumption
  • 13.1 Reducing environmental impact
Environmentally friendly products

Earth-friendly materials
Active Use

  • 12.1 12.2 13.1 14.1 15.1
    Reduction of global environmental impact
EN
About KAI Group
KAI Group Initiatives