In order to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2040, Japan's Kao will use a large number of plant-based
On September 29, Kao, a well-known Japanese daily chemical brand, announced on its official website that as a founding member, it has invested in a joint venture venture capital company jointly established by Unilever and biotechnology company Genomatica (Geno), with the aim of converting palm oil as a plant substitute. Scale and commercialize. The joint venture was jointly launched by Unilever and biotech company Geno in June 2022.
Richard Slater, Unilever's chief research and development officer, has previously said that biotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the way cleaning ingredients are sourced, and that new ventures are at the intersection of science and sustainability, while also giving Unilever's supply chain a boost in access to ingredient alternatives. to obtain higher elasticity.
In the plan of Unilever and Geno, they will jointly invest 120 million US dollars (about 850 million yuan), and other strategic investors are expected to join. Kao is the first internationally renowned cosmetics company to join after the company's official announcement.
According to Kao's previously announced carbon emission goals, it will achieve zero carbon emissions by 2040 and negative carbon emissions by 2050. This investment is also an important strategic decision for Kao to achieve these goals.
Plant-based alternatives based on Geno's technology will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50 percent, Kao said. Through Kao's investment, the joint venture will further expand its production capacity of palm oil alternative raw materials, and Kao will also leverage its more than 130 years of experience in the consumer goods business and chemical business to help it further expand its influence and conduct global business. expansion.
Masahiro Katayose, General Manager of Kao Chemicals Division, said that Geno's biotechnology is indispensable for diversification and sustainable development, and investing in this joint venture will help Kao provide new eco-chemical solutions that will be Kao's contribution to industry and society Opportunities to play a bigger role in decarbonization and the transition to a circular economy.
