History

Leading innovation that embodies the spirit “to achieve what no one else can”

The origins of both the Kurashiki and the Tsukuba Research Centers date back to the establishment of the Central Research Institute in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1968, where Kuraray was founded. As the core of innovation embodying our mission of “For people and the Planet—to achieve what no one else can" the Research and Development Division has created various new materials through numerous challenges. This spirit of challenge is still inherited by the current researchers.

1968

Establishment of the Central Research Institute (currently Kurashiki Research Center)

“The launch of the flagship research institute where Kuraray's DNA lives on”

Our research and development began with the Kyoka Research Institute (established in 1925), producing results that contributed to the development of the chemical industry, such as fundamental research in the industrialization of PVA fibers and the development of CLARINO™, the world's first man-made leather. In 1968, to further advance modern research, the Central Research Institute (currently Kurashiki Research Center) was established in Kurashiki, the birthplace of our company. With the vision "Research and development to serve society through the company and products," the Central Research Institute embarked on its journey as the flagship research institute where Kuraray's DNA lives on.

1970s

Medical business development

With a strong determination to contribute to Japanese healthcare by utilizing Kuraray's polymer-related technologies, researchers have taken on various technological developments in the medical field. In the dental field, they developed the "adhesive filling restoration system" to realize cavity treatment using polymer materials. This system was recognized for its excellent adhesive properties, leading to widespread clinical acceptance and becoming the foundation of the current dental materials business of Kuraray. Subsequently, they have continued to develop innovative dental material products, contributing to the advancement of dental care.

1970s-1990s

Development of the fine chemicals business using unique organic synthesis technology

"From fragrances and pharmaceutical/agricultural intermediates to semiconductor materials"

In preparation for entering the fine chemicals field, the Central Research Institute engaged in research and development of isoprene derivatives using organic synthesis technology. The researcher's relentless pursuit of excellence in organic synthesis technology culminated in the development of terpene and pyrethroid compound synthesis technologies, leading to the creation of synthetic fragrances, vitamin intermediates, and agricultural chemical intermediates businesses. The unique organic synthesis technology cultivated at the Central Research Institute has since evolved to create numerous pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical intermediates, and has further developed into the current semiconductor-related materials, continuously contributing to industrial advancement.

1970s-1990s

Creation of the functional diols business

“Challenges in precious metal complex catalytic reactions contributing to the development of the polymer industry”

At a time when commodity polymers were emerging and the polymer industry was in its developmental stage, the development of functional diols was required for the advancement of high-performance polymers. Researchers took on the challenge of developing various functional diols based on their research into precious metal catalytic reactions. As a result, they achieved numerous successes, including the invention of a new method for producing 1,4-butanediol, which laid the foundation for the engineering plastics business, the development of 3-methylpentanediol with an eye on entering the new polyurethane business, and the world’s first industrialization of 1,9-nonanediol based on the hydration dimerization reaction using butadiene, which was in oversupply at the time. The new catalyst designs and catalyst separation technologies developed by Kuraray have contributed to the development of the polymer industry by providing solutions to fundamental issues during the early days of the precious metal complex chemical industry.

1990s

Polymer materials from unique chemicals

"The birth of Genestar™ heat-resistant polyamide resin"

Genestar™ is a heat-resistant polyamide resin that was born from the thorough research and trial and error of approximately 30 candidate substances, using nonanediamine, a unique monomer industrialized by Kuraray for the first time in the world, as the raw material. This new material is highly regarded in various fields, such as electrical and electronic components and automotive parts, due to its excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance, and low water absorption properties. The origin of Genestar™ , which has now expanded to a production capacity of 26,000 tons per year domestically and internationally, lies in the efforts of researchers who possess both intellectual curiosity and a challenging spirit.

1994

Establishment of Tsukuba Research Institute (currently Tsukuba Research Center)

“A research and development hub responsible for polymer materials research from fundamental study to applied research is born.”

In 1988, when the internet was not yet available, the Tsukuba Laboratory of the Central Research Institute was opened in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, to catch up with the latest research trends in the Tokyo metropolitan area, which is far from Kurashiki. Subsequently, in response to the increasingly advanced and diversified state of research and development worldwide, the laboratory was relocated to the site of the Tsukuba Expo and evolved into the Tsukuba Research Institute (currently Tsukuba Research Center). With a comprehensive research system covering polymer materials research from fundamental study to applied research, the Tsukuba Research Institute, along with the Central Research Institute in Kurashiki, became the two wings supporting Kuraray's innovation.

2000s

Expansion into new business areas utilizing core technology

“Semiconductor polishing pads born from the technology of CLARINO™ man-made leather”

Silicon wafer polishing pads are indispensable in the semiconductor industry. Kuraray's polishing pads, which excel in high hardness and high wear resistance, are actually based on the polyurethane design technology developed at the Central Research Institute through the man-made leather production technology. The idea emerged during discussions in a meeting room between sales representatives familiar with the semiconductor industry and polyurethane researchers, leading to the immediate start of research and development. This episode symbolizes innovation driven by both market development and technological development.

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.

KURALON™ and PVA

EVAL™

CLARINO™

Isoprene