Kao and SCGP Renew Strategic Partnership to Develop Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and SCG Packaging Public Company Limited (SCGP) have strengthened their strategic collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Innovation and Sustainability Partnership, focusing on sustainable packaging development, recycling and digital technologies.

The partnership aims to advance environmentally friendly packaging solutions, particularly mono-material flexible packaging designed to facilitate recycling and reduce environmental impact. The collaboration will also support preparations for European Union packaging and environmental regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The renewed agreement builds on cooperation between the two companies that began in 2022. Their previous joint initiatives included the development of Green Carton packaging and mono-material flexible packaging.

One achievement of the collaboration is the development of mono-material refill packaging for Kao's Magiclean Natural Essence floor cleaner in a 700 mL format.

Under the strengthened partnership, Kao and SCGP will continue developing packaging solutions incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, alongside pulp- and paper-based materials aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The companies will also explore improvements in packaging and transportation efficiency, product usability, product display and resource recovery. Additional areas of collaboration include artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies and data analytics to improve supply chain efficiency and support new business development.

Akira Nishimaki, President of Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said the partnership would combine the companies' expertise to develop packaging innovations that address consumer needs while promoting resource efficiency and the circular economy.

Kao aims to make all its packaging recyclable by 2027 and achieve net zero plastic packaging waste by 2040. Its sustainability strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, focuses on the 4Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Replace and Recycle.

Wichan Jitpukdee, Chief Executive Officer of SCGP, said the collaboration would combine Kao's chemical expertise with SCGP's capabilities in materials, packaging and solutions to develop innovations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve efficiency and address changing market requirements.

The companies said they would continue pursuing packaging innovations that balance business value, consumer requirements and environmental sustainability.