Japan consumer goods sector buys into sustainable procurement

Kao, UCC among companies examining human rights and other supply chain issues

20221012 palm oil kao

A palm oil plantation in Indonesia. Kao plans to introduce a grievance mechanism initially for 50 farmers in the country to report on suspected human rights abuses. (Photo courtesy of Kao)

YUKI MASUDA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Makers of food and home products in Japan are stepping up efforts to purchase environmentally and socially sustainable materials.

Japan's top household goods maker Kao has introduced a feedback system to hear complaints about human rights violations and other issues from palm oil plantations, starting with those in Indonesia. Meanwhile, UCC Holdings will independently audit coffee bean purchases by its group company UCC Ueshima Coffee.

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