Japan's First*1 "Napkin Stocking Project," "Laurier in the Workplace" and "Laurier in Schools," Surpasses 1,000*2 Adopted Locations! - A New Initiative Aiming for a Social Standard Accelerates Its Expansion

Kao Corporation's sanitary product brand "Laurier" is proud to announce that its pioneering*1 project to make sanitary napkins a standard stocked item, trademarked as "Napkin Stocking," has reached a milestone. The number of companies adopting "Laurier in the Workplace" has reached 750, and the number of schools adopting "Laurier in Schools" has reached 300, bringing the total number of adoptions to over 1,000*2. This project was launched in 2022 with the aim of improving the overall societal environment surrounding menstruation. As part of creating an environment where people can feel secure even if their period starts unexpectedly, this initiative involves installing sanitary napkins as a standard item in the restrooms of not only offices but also diverse workplaces such as factories and construction sites, as well as schools. *1 The first initiative by a napkin manufacturer to promote the stocking of napkins. "Laurier in the Workplace": As of December 25, 2024, research by Mirai Trend Research Institute Inc. "Laurier in Schools": As of February 28, 2025, research by Mirai Trend Research Institute Inc. *2 As of the end of April 2026 (total number of adopting companies for "Laurier in the Workplace" and adopting schools for "Laurier in Schools"). ■ "Laurier in the Workplace" & "Laurier in Schools" Website: https://www.kao.co.jp/laurier/project/shokuba/?cid=laurier_prtimes260518 ■ About "Laurier in the Workplace" & "Laurier in Schools" "Laurier in the Workplace" is Japan's first*1 project to install napkins as a standard item in workplace restrooms, much like toilet paper, as part of corporate employee benefits. For employees, this eliminates the worry of a sudden period, promotes understanding from colleagues, and creates a more work-friendly environment. For adopting companies, it serves as an aid in creating a workplace where employees can work with peace of mind. Similarly in schools, based on feedback such as "I was in trouble when my period started suddenly" and "I was anxious because I didn't have any sanitary products," we launched "Laurier in Schools." We are promoting this to support a healthy school life. In both cases, Kao provides a dedicated dispenser box free of charge, while the purchase, management, and operation of the napkins are handled by the adopting companies and schools. We are advancing this initiative together with our endorsing partners. ■ Video Release for "Laurier in Schools" Project, Starring Fumi Nikaido We have released a video introducing "Laurier in Schools," a project born from the desire for students to have a worry-free school life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAK_z5V8CjU&t=28s Fumi Nikaido, the brand ambassador for "Laurier," engages in a dialogue with students about "problems with periods at school." She gently empathizes with their anxieties, saying, "It would be so reassuring to have sanitary napkins in the school restrooms, right?" ■ Feedback from Schools Adopting "Laurier in Schools" (Excerpts) (From student council members at Nishogakusha University Affiliated Kashiwa High School who promoted the adoption) The idea came from seeing napkins stocked in a university restroom and thinking, "It would be great if our school had this too." The campus is large, and some classrooms are far from the nurse's office, making it very difficult to get a napkin during break time. We were looking for a way for everyone to get help when in need and found "Laurier in Schools." The entire student council, including male students, openly discussed and promoted the adoption. After implementation, other students told us, "I don't have to go to the nurse's office for a napkin anymore," and "It was a great help, thank you." Successfully completing this "Laurier in Schools" adoption project has given us confidence. ・Articles on the initiatives of companies and schools that have adopted "Laurier in the Workplace" and "Laurier in Schools" can be viewed on the official Kao note page below. "Laurier in the Workplace" - Our commitment to creating a comfortable working environment for everyone - https://note.kao.co.jp/n/nd4953c59f00d Exploring the passion behind major construction company Obayashi's adoption of "Laurier in the Workplace"! - https://note.kao.co.jp/n/na556324f651e An immediately implementable employee benefit: Koike-ya's "Laurier in the Workplace" initiative - https://note.kao.co.jp/n/na4b1227c6bbc "Laurier in Schools" chosen by the student council. A kindness that supports sudden periods - https://note.kao.co.jp/n/n30294c8d9f18 Medical students tackle social issues. Adopting "Laurier in Schools" - https://note.kao.co.jp/n/neb1bdb20714a