Unicharm’s Journey to Achieving CDP Triple A Status
Practicing ESG Management and Improving Evaluation Scores
What does it take to become a CDP Triple A Lister? In 2024, Japanese hygiene products manufacturer Unicharm Corporation received a Triple A score from CDP for the first time. In 2019, Unicharm scored a B on Climate Change, B on Forests and B- on Water Security.
From this starting point, the company achieved Triple A status within just five years. Behind this success lay a deep understanding and integration of ESG principles into its organizational strategy and management, along with the development of company-wide initiatives.
The key lesson from Unicharm’s experience is that responding to CDP is not an end in itself. The true value lies in transforming the organization from within, using ESG as a catalyst for change. The CDP score simply reflects the depth and sincerity of that transformation.
Here, we look at the steps Unicharm took towards claiming leadership status on its environmental disclosure journey.
Unicharm’s journey
In 2020, Unicharm took a pivotal step by consolidating previously scattered ESG-related functions and establishing a dedicated ESG Division. This newly formed division, led by Kenji Ueda, laid the foundation for a cohesive and company-wide ESG strategy, enabling a more focused and consistent approach to sustainability.
That same year, the company formulated its medium- to long-term vision, “Kyo-sei Life Vision 2030”. This vision was developed with CDP evaluation criteria in mind and translated into actionable goals that employees could integrate into their daily work. By bridging ESG policy with individual responsibilities, Unicharm succeeded in engaging its entire workforce in a shared mission.
Crucially, Unicharm embedded ESG principles into its core business operations. Efforts to reduce environmental impact – for instance, by cutting down on raw material and energy use – not only advanced sustainability goals but also led to tangible cost savings. Even when initial investments increased short-term costs, many initiatives demonstrated long-term economic value. This message was clearly communicated across all levels of the company, supported by data and internal dialogue that emphasized rationality and accountability.
To further enhance its CDP performance, Unicharm committed to a deeper engagement with the structure and intent behind the questionnaires. Ueda personally reviewed all CDP questions and responses, meticulously checking both Japanese translations and the original English texts to avoid misinterpretation. A management-level review system was established to ensure that every response was accurate, consistent, and aligned with the company’s ESG philosophy.
Responding to CDP also required Unicharm to collect and analyze a wide range of quantitative data including emissions, water use, and sourcing of forest-based materials. But the company went beyond compliance. It used this data strategically to drive business improvements. For example, by benchmarking similar overseas factories, differences in energy efficiency and emissions were revealed, which spurred localized improvements and creating a feedback loop between the head office and production sites. This cycle of data-driven learning and optimization became embedded in the company’s operations.
Key factors for success
Several factors proved essential to Unicharm’s success. First and foremost was strong leadership commitment – Ueda and senior executives personally took responsibility for the company’s disclosures. Just as important was the clear distinction the company made between purpose and means: CDP scores were treated not as an objective, but as an outcome of authentic ESG management. This shift in mindset was reinforced by consistent employee education, helping staff develop a true sense of ownership over ESG goals. Logical, data-backed proposals supported internal persuasion and aligned teams toward continuous improvement.
For such change to be sustainable, every employee must understand how their work connects to ESG and be empowered to act accordingly. At the same time, maintaining alignment with international standards requires the capacity to interpret English-language disclosure requirements and uphold global consistency in communication.
Unicharm’s journey demonstrates that achieving a CDP Triple A rating is not about chasing scores – it is the natural result of embedding ESG into the core of the business.
Through strengthened governance, strategic integration, employee engagement, and consistent data utilization, Unicharm dramatically improved its global standing within just five years. To continue this journey, a sincere and consistent approach to ESG – both internally and externally – will be essential.
