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History

1926-1950s

Kuraray was founded in 1926 as Kurashiki Kenshoku Co., Ltd. in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture for the purpose of commercializing synthetic rayon.
In the 1950s, Kuraray became the first company in the world to commercialize polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber, under the name KURALON™. Synthetic fibers replaced arboreous cotton in student uniforms within a generation.

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Photo Factory scene from 1926 to the 1950s

1960s

Kuraray used outside technology to commercialize polyester, and independently developed and marketed man-made leather CLARINO™. In addition, Kuraray was the first Japanese company to export PVA fiber plants to China, before the normalization of diplomatic ties.

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Photo Work at the factory in the 1960s

1970s

Kuraray commercialized the world’s first synthetic isoprene chemical products and established a series of new businesses in the 1970s. These included the gas barrier resin EVAL™, medical businesses such as contact lens, artificial organs and dental materials, as well as a nonwoven fabric business (through a joint venture with an overseas company).

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Photo Technical Products of the 1970s

1980s

Kuraray established a joint venture in the U.S. to manufacture and market EVAL™ to support overseas business development, and also began producing opto-screens.

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Photo Ceremony to establish a joint venture in the 1980s

1990s

Kuraray commercialized thermoplastic elastomer SEPTON™, new PVA fiber KURALON K-II™ and heat-resistant polyamide resin GENESTAR™. Kuraray also established EVAL™ and PVA resin manufacturing facilities in Belgium and Singapore, respectively.

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Photo Factory equipment in the 1990s

2000s

Kuraray accelerated overseas business development by acquiring a PVA-related business portfolio in Germany and starting SEPTON™ production in the U.S.

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Photo Overseas expansion of key businesses in the 2000s

2010s

Used M&A and alliances to become a specialty chemical company with a global presence.

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Photo Strengthening the business in the 2010s Expansion of the business

2020s

The first isoprene-related business plant in Asia was established in Thailand, and started production of GENESTAR™ heat-resistant polyamide resin, SEPTON™ thermoplastic elastomer, and 3-Methyl-1.5-Pentanediol (MPD).

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Photo Exterior view of the headquarters building in the 2020s

The Story of the Birth of New Products

Kuraray has a variety of number one and one and only one products. Our commitment to creativity and unique technical capabilities has been essential for developing these products.

The Story of the Birth of New Products presents episodes with themes including Kuraray’s new business development mindset and the trials the company experienced in its early years.