〔The Environment〕For the Global EnvironmentEfforts related to products
KOSÉ strives to create cosmetic products that are “good not only to users but also to the global environment.” In addition to setting strict standards in the selection of raw materials and ingredients, careful research and development are also undertaken to make products that are easy to segregate and dispose after use and produce less amount of waste.
Going forward, we will continue to actively develop environmentally friendly products that adapt to climate change, while giving due consideration to customer needs and market needs.
Activities to Improve Containers and Packaging
The container and packaging of a cosmetic product serve an important role in preserving its contents and making it easy to use. They also provide various information about the product including the product philosophy. However, cosmetic products are still consumer products, and once they have served their purpose, their containers and packaging become waste that need to be disposed of. KOSÉ is in continuous development of containers and packaging that consider environmental impacts at disposal.
Reducing the Use of Resin in Containers & Packages
Reduction of the amount of resin
used in the package
In 2013, we succeeded in greatly reducing the amount of resin that we use when we started to utilize film packaging in one of our best-selling products, the Sekkisei Sun Protect Essence Gel, and we were able to further reduce (see the bar chart on the right) by updating the design. This packaging is used in a range of other products including Fasio, our makeup brand, and SportsBeauty, our sunscreen brand.
In addition, we are actively using refills and refillable containers to reduce our environmental impact.
（1）Example of a compact container
（2）Example of improvement from a transparent plastic box to a paper box
(3)Examples of makeup products using film packaging
（4）Example of using “paper” for bag packaging
（5）Examples of specifications for changing pumps and inner containers
（6）Examples of using a pouch container for refilling
（7）Examples of a new material used for the buffer tray
（8）Example of using “paper” as a container
Easy to refill
that can be easily opened
We have developed a container that has a large mouth in which the inner plug can be easily opened so that non-pump type containers can be easily refilled.
Easy-to-disassemble containers made of different materials
Cosmetics containers made from a combination of different materials, such as metal and plastic or glass and plastic, cannot be disposed of as recyclable waste. By coming up with designs that allow each part to be separated easily, our containers are designed to make waste separation easy so that they can be recycled.
Use of plant-derived plastics
By using plant-derived “biomass plastic” for some of the product containers of “SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS”, we are reducing the use of petroleum-derived materials and contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions throughout the product life cycle.
By launching the refillable version, we expect to further reduce the total amount of plastic used by taking advantage of the characteristics of the “SEKKISEI” series, where many customers continue to use the same product for a long time.
For example, the amount of plastic used for refills of “SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS Natural Drip” has been reduced by approximately 80% compared to the main container. In addition, by reducing the frequency of disposing of used containers, we can also reduce CO2 emissions associated with plastic disposal.
Use of corrugated cardboard material for one product box
For “SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS”, we have adopted a cardboard material for each product box, which is said to have a recycling rate of over 90% in Japan.
In addition, we have reduced the amount of plastic used by making it impossible to open the box easily during transportation or display, and by eliminating tear-tape packaging for film-like product exteriors.
Use of recycled materials
KOSÉ also manufactures cosmetic containers at its group companies. The company has developed its own equipment to re-materialize leftover materials generated during plastic molding and actively reuses them as materials for caps and sample containers. In addition, we are promoting the use of recycled materials for cosmetics containers and have adopted plastic boxes with the “PET Bottle Recycling Recommendation Mark” for some of our products.
Using recycled or certified paper for packaging
We are striving to increase the use of recycled paper in all of our products, including single-piece boxes, certificates, pamphlets, and cardboard boxes.
For paper packages that do not use recycled paper, we use paper obtained from wood harvested in certified forests (certified paper).
Proactive use of paper made from sugar cane residue
Bagasse※ as a raw material to create boxes
Paper made from sugarcane residue
Reduction of Package Inserts
We are making efforts to increase the number of products that do not have a paper instruction manual attached by directly printing an instruction manual, such as how to use the cosmetics, on a part of the product box (outer box).
Currently, many products have adopted this method, and for some products, the instructions are also printed on the inside of the box.
We will also digitize our products by issuing QR codes to reduce the use of paper as much as possible.
For “SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS”, we have adopted biomass ink, which is easily biodegradable and has a low environmental impact, for printing on the product.
The notation on each box is in a size and typeface that is easy for anyone to read, using a universal font that we have established.
Activities to Improve Product Contents
The use of plant-based raw materials and environmental impacts after use are also taken into consideration in the development of the contents of our products.
Statement for microplastic beads
Microplastic beads are used as a raw material in rinse-off cleansing products. Microplastic beads are safe for humans, and have been used as a highly-functional raw material; however, in recent years their potential environmental impact has been raised as a concern both in Japan and overseas.
In consideration of the worldwide social concern, KOSÉ Group stopped using microplastic beads for new cleansing products developed since 2014, making the switch to plant derived materials with less negative environmental impact. Also we have completed the replacement of the traditional cleansing products containing microplastic beads with new products. No cleansing product containing microplastic beads has been shipped since January, 2018.
Use of biodegradable raw materials as much as possible
KOSÉ uses biodegradable amino acid raw materials for some of its products, such as facial cleansing products and shampoos. Even if these products are emitted into rivers, these raw materials are easily degraded by naturally occurring microorganisms. They are used for almost all of the KOSÉ brands, including COSME DECORTE, GRANDAINE, Je L’aime, softymo and SALON STYLE.
Procurement of raw materials with consideration for the preservation of ecosystems
In relation to the procurement of raw materials, we focus on preserving ecosystems and supporting local communities. “DECORTÉ” and “STEPHEN KNOLL NEW YORK” products are formulated with ingredients that take biodiversity and sustainability into consideration. In addition, as part of our efforts to preserve ecosystems, we use ingredients derived from organically grown herbs in products such as “ADDICTION” and “Salon Style BIOLISS Veganee”.
