On October 23rd, Kao Corporation announced that it has collaborated with Kosé Corporation to transform discarded cosmetics into water-based ballpoint pens in various colors.
According to the announcement, Kao and Kosé provided a company called Moongata with unused cosmetics that were not turned into finished products due to their commitment to quality control during the production process. Moongata was able to extract pigments and dyes from these cosmetics to create the water-based ballpoint pen called “SminkArt Pen.”
Currently, trial production of the SminkArt Pen began in September 2023, and Kao and Kosé plan to offer this water-based ballpoint pen at various events starting in 2024. Going forward, Kao and Kosé will continue their collaboration in the field of sustainable development for consumer products, including organizing educational activities using the SminkArt Pen.
Kao stated that since October 2021, they have been collaborating with Kosé in the sustainable development of the cosmetics industry, aiming to achieve a sustainable society. In April 2022, the two companies took the first step in their cooperation by focusing on initiatives such as “recycling cosmetic plastic bottles” and “transforming recycled cosmetics into paint.” With the transformation of cosmetics into ballpoint pens, they also hope to expand their efforts in the field of sustainable development.
