Innovation Topics

Check out the latest news on our innovation activities.

 In the environment and energy sector, there is growing expectation for new materials that contribute to carbon neutrality and a circular economy. With an eye toward reducing greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions and responding to environmental regulations, the Research and Development Division is working to develop new functional carbon materials using biomass-derived raw materials. 

 In addition to its inherent conductivity, this new functional carbon material possesses unique substance adsorption and diffusion properties derived from its distinctive pore structure. It is expected to find use in a wide range of applications, including cathode additives for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), functional carriers, and purification materials. We are currently supplying customers with samples for use as LIB cathode additives. Customer evaluations have confirmed improved performance compared to conventional products, as enhanced ion diffusion within the battery allows shorter charging times and improved charge-discharge performance in cold climates.

 This functional carbon material was developed through collaboration between the Research and Development Division and the Innovation Networking Center. In January 2026, responsibility for its commercialization was transferred to the Carbon Innovation Development Office, newly established within the Functional Materials Company. We will accelerate commercialization by leveraging our expertise in carbon materials and pore design, along with our global customer base.

Kuraray leads the world in water-soluble resin polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). We have continued research focusing on the safety and biocompatibility of this material. The spherical PVA gel-based microcarrier, SCAPOVA™, born from our unique polymer design technology, boasts high cell culture efficiency, less fragments during stirred cell culture, and excellent cell detachment properties, making recovery easy. SCAPOVA™ enables three-dimensional cell culture using culture tanks, transitioning from traditional planar culture, and significantly reduces cell culture costs through space-saving and short-time cultivation. SCAPOVA™ is already prepared for sample production, with domestic sales in Japan starting in March 2024, and plans for world-wide sales, including the United States, from 2025 onwards.

The Kuraray Group aims to create a future in which Kuraray’s functional products flourish in various settings that interface with biomedicine. We see SCAPOVA™ as a technological bridgehead toward the creation of a new cell culture solution business.