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Welcome to the Kuraray America Strategic Supply Chain & Partners Portal

In today’s interconnected global environment, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) operates through an integrated Supply Chain ecosystem that includes Strategic Procurement, Logistics, Raw Materials Management, and Procurement Sustainability.

We do more than source goods and services.
We collaborate, coordinate, and create value across the entire lifecycle of materials, services, and partnerships that support our operations.

Our Role
Our Supply Chain and Procurement teams serve as strategic partners to the business by:

        • Ensuring reliable and efficient material flow
        • Managing raw materials critical to production
        • Strengthening logistics performance and continuity
        • Advancing responsible and sustainable sourcing practices
        • Driving innovation and long-term value creation

Together, these functions support Kuraray’s mission to innovate for a better tomorrow.

A Collaborative Ecosystem
Our Supply Chain and Procurement teams serve as strategic partners to the business by:

        • Operational excellence
        • Supply continuity and risk mitigation
        • Environmental stewardship
        • Ethical and responsible business conduct
        • Continuous improvement and innovation

We believe strong partnerships are built on transparency, accountability, and shared goals.

Sustainability & Responsibility
Sustainability is embedded in our sourcing and supply chain decisions. We are committed to:

        • Responsible raw material sourcing
        • Environmental performance improvement
        • Supplier inclusion and diversity
        • Compliance with legal and ethical standards
        • Long-term value for our communities and stakeholdersWe believe strong

Our Procurement Sustainability initiatives are integrated into how we evaluate, select, and collaborate with our partners.

Growing Together
Whether you are:

        • A raw material supplier
        • A logistics or transportation provider
        • A contractor or service provider
        • A sustainability-focused partner
        • Or an existing long-term collaborator

We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our partnership through trust, innovation, performance, and shared values.
This portal is designed for suppliers, contractors, logistics providers, and organizations interested in working with Kuraray America, Inc.

Procurement

Contractor & Supplier Requirements – Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI)
Our Commitment to Safety & Responsibility

At Kuraray America, Inc., safety is not just a requirement, it is a core value embedded in how we operate, partner, and deliver results.

We are committed to:
        • Protecting the health and safety of all personnel
        • Ensuring environmental stewardship across our operations
        • Maintaining secure and compliant facilities
        • Partnering with suppliers who share our zero-incident mindset
All contractors and suppliers are expected to actively support and uphold these standards while working with KAI.

Minimum Requirements for Site Access:
Before performing any work at a KAI facility, all contractors and subcontractors must meet the following requirements:

1. Background Screening (Mandatory)
        • Criminal background check through an approved program
        • Drug & alcohol screening meeting KAI standards
        • Verification must be completed prior to arrival
Failure to meet these requirements will result in denied site access.

2. Required Safety Training

All contractor personnel must complete:
        • KAI-approved contractor safety orientation
        • Site-specific orientation (online or onsite)
Proof of completion is required (badge, certificate, or digital verification).

3. Subcontractor Approval
Primary contractors are responsible for:
        • Identifying subcontractors in advance
        • Submitting them through ISNetworld (ISN)
        • Ensuring full compliance with all KAI requirements
Unapproved subcontractors are not permitted onsite.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Minimum PPE required at all KAI sites:
        • Hard hat
        • Safety glasses with side shields
        • Safety-toe footwear
        • Long pants
        • Long-sleeve shirts

Additional PPE may be required depending on the scope of work, including:      

        • Flame-resistant clothing (FRC)
        • Hearing protection
        • Gloves
        • High-visibility vests

Contractors are responsible for supplying their own PPE.

5. Contractor Prequalification (ISN)
KAI may require contractors to:
        • Maintain an active ISNetworld (ISN) subscription
        • Keep safety programs, insurance, and documentation current
Contractors who do not meet minimum criteria may not be approved to perform work.

Contractor Responsibilities
All contractors and suppliers working with KAI must:

        • Comply with all HSE&S policies and site rules
        • Ensure their employees and subcontractors are fully trained and qualified
        • Provide accurate and timely documentation and verification
        • Immediately report any incidents, unsafe conditions, or near misses
        • Actively participate in maintaining a safe work environment
        • Compliance & Enforcement
KAI enforces all HSE&S requirements to protect people, assets, and operations.

Failure to comply may result in:
        • Denial or revocation of site access
        • Work suspension or removal from site
        • Contractual consequences or disqualification from future work
        • Before You Arrive – Contractor Checklist

To ensure a smooth onboarding process, confirm the following:
        • Background screening completed
        • Drug & alcohol test completed
        • Safety training completed
        • Site orientation scheduled or completed
        • Subcontractors approved in ISN
        • PPE available and compliant
        • Documentation submitted and verified

KAI encourages all suppliers to go beyond compliance by:

        • Promoting a strong safety culture within their teams
        • Implementing best practices in environmental and safety performance
        • Supporting sustainability and responsible operations
        • Collaborating with KAI to continuously improve safety outcomes

Final Note:
Safety is a shared responsibility. At KAI, we believe that every incident is preventable, and every partner plays a critical role in achieving that goal.

 

The following policies apply to all goods and services provided by Kuraray America, Inc.

  • Except as specifically set forth in an agreement with Kuraray America, Inc., purchase orders are the only approved methods Kuraray America, Inc., uses for procuring goods and services.
  • Goods may not be shipped, and work may not begin until an agreement and/or a purchase order has been entered into between Kuraray America, Inc., and the supplier.
  • Suppliers are expected to provide a signed acknowledgement copy of the Purchase Order, internal order entry, or email confirmation before work may begin.
  • Kuraray America, Inc., only pays for goods and services specified in the Purchase Order. Kuraray America, Inc., does not pay for goods shipped in excess of the specified quantity or for work that is not specified in the Purchase Order.
  • Kuraray America, Inc., standard purchase order terms, and conditions apply to all procured goods and services, unless contractually agreed to otherwise by Kuraray America, Inc., and the supplier.

In order to process Suppliers invoices in an efficient and timely manner all invoicing must follow the agreed upon payment terms in the purchase order and must be in strict accordance with Kuraray’s invoicing instructions as set forth in the Invoicing Instructions below.

At Kuraray America, Inc., we recognize that it is a privilege to work with a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities located in Houston, Texas, Fayetteville, NC, Washington Works, WV, Wilmington, DE and a vast network of supply from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America, Inc., key stakeholders have high expectations for how we do business—with integrity and with a focus on people and the planet—to achieve what no one else can. We hold our staff, and those we work with, accountable for operating with the highest ethical standards each and every day.

Our values

  • Respect for individuals.
  • Cooperation to attain shared goals.
  • The constant creation of new value.
  • Ethics and Compliance.
  • Safety and Health of our employees and contracted partners.
  • Global Procurement Sustainability


Reflecting on the increasingly global nature of Kuraray America, Inc., business, as well as the importance of our relationships with suppliers to achieve our mission, Kuraray expects suppliers to firmly adhere to ethical principles for labor, health and safety, environment, management systems and supply transparency. Further, Kuraray expects suppliers to determine how to meet, demonstrate and integrate in its conduct compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and principles. To continue supporting our goal to achieve what no one else can, Kuraray expects suppliers to apply these principles into continuous improvement efforts that are aimed at advancing performance over time.

For more information please visit:

Kuraray Code of Conduct

Value-Added. Collaborative. Future-Focused.

At Kuraray, sustainability is a strategic choice embedded in how we buy, partner, and create value across our global supply base.

Procurement plays a critical role in turning sustainability commitments into real, measurable impact by influencing decisions, behaviors, and long-term partnerships.

Our approach to Sustainable Procurement is built on collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility, recognizing that meaningful progress happens together with our suppliers, not in isolation.

Our Global Foundation: Sustainable Procurement Policy
The Kuraray Group has established clear principles guiding our interactions with societies worldwide through “Our Commitment”, ensuring responsible, ethical, and transparent corporate behavior.

In 2005, Kuraray introduced its CSR Procurement Policy, based on the 10 Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, which address:

        · Human rights
        · Labor standards
        · Environmental responsibility
        · Anti-corruption

As expectations and global challenges evolved, this policy was strengthened and elevated into the Sustainable Procurement Policy, now positioned as our global procurement standard.

This policy reinforces our commitment to:

· Respect for human rights
· Environmental conservation
· Strong compliance and ethical conduct
· Promotion of diversity and inclusion across the supply chain

Our Commitment to Sustainable Procurement

Kuraray Procurement strongly encourages all suppliers to adopt and continuously improve sustainable and responsible procurement practices as part of their core business operations. Sustainability goes beyond environmental performance. It includes ethical conduct, respect for people, responsible sourcing, and long-term value creation across the entire supply chain.

Procurement acts as a bridge between corporate values and day-to-day sourcing decisions, ensuring that sustainability is considered alongside quality, cost, risk, and innovation.

What Sustainable Practices Look Like in Action
We actively encourage suppliers to demonstrate progress in areas such as:

Environmental Impact Reduction
Reducing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental footprint across operations.

Waste Reduction & Circularity
Implementing waste minimization, reuse, and recycling initiatives throughout production and logistics.

Responsible Packaging & Logistics
Using environmentally responsible packaging solutions and optimizing transportation and distribution methods.

Ethical & Transparent Sourcing
Ensuring raw materials are sourced responsibly, ethically, and with full supply chain transparency.

People, Communities & Inclusion
Supporting workforce development, diversity, equity, safety, and positive community engagement.

These practices help build resilient supply chains that are better prepared for regulatory change, market volatility, and long-term growth.

Sustainability as a Strategic Sourcing Advantage

Suppliers who demonstrate proactive sustainability performance may be given preference in future sourcing opportunities as part of Kuraray’s long-term strategic supplier development program.

Why? Because sustainable suppliers tend to be:
        · More resilient to disruption
        · Better aligned with global regulatory expectations
        · Stronger innovation partners
        · Lower long-term risk contributors

Sustainability is not just about doing the right thing, it is about building smarter, stronger partnerships.

Collaboration Is the Key
Fulfilling our responsibility from a global procurement perspective cannot be achieved alone.

Sustainable procurement depends on:
        · Open dialogue with suppliers
        · Shared accountability
        · Continuous improvement
        · Long-term relationships built on trust

Kuraray’s procurement philosophy is clear:
We promote sustainable procurement not only within our organization, but across our entire supplier ecosystem. Together, we can create supply chains that are responsible, resilient, and ready for the future.


For more information please visit: Product | Kuraray

All potential suppliers are expected to complete the qualification process prior to becoming an approved Supplier for Kuraray America, Inc. Suppliers should demonstrate alignment with the following requirements:

  • Proven Industry Experience – Minimum of 5 years in operation.

  • Financial Stability – Subject to a D&B assessment upon request.

  • Supply Capability – Demonstrated ability to meet demand.

  • Reliability & Supply Assurance – Consistent and dependable service.

  • Quality Assurance System – Established processes to ensure product/service quality.

  • Technical Expertise & Certifications – Relevant industry qualifications and credentials.

  • HSE&S Compliance – Documented health, safety, environmental, and security (HSE&S) program and alignment with Responsible Care® principles (as applicable).

  • Safety Record – Zero accident history preferred.

  • Physical Presence – Established office or manufacturing facility.

  • Company Website – Detailed information on operations and contact details.

  • ISN Network Registration – If Applicable.

  • Contractual Agreement – Acceptance of Kuraray’s Standard Terms & Conditions or execution of a mutually agreed Master Services Agreement (MSA), if applicable.

  • Insurance Compliance – Adherence to Kuraray Insurance Requirements, and Enrollment in the Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP), if applicable.

  • Supplier Onboarding – Completion of setup forms, site access requirements, and submission of an insurance certificate.

  • Safety & Training Compliance – Adherence to site-specific training and safety protocols.

All potential Raw Materials Suppliers must be qualified prior to becoming an approved Suppliers for Kuraray America, Inc. Raw Materials Suppliers must also meet the following minimum requirements and criteria:

  • Supply Capability – Produces or distributes material, meets specification and, if necessary, is tested and qualified by the production and quality technical team.

  • Reliability & Supply Assurance – Production and/or warehousing capability preferred over brokerage, meets packaging, transportation, and scheduling requirements.

  • Quality Assurance System – ISO 9001 and/or other quality certification preferred.

    Note: Suppliers providing material used to produce products withing the scope of an IAFT certification must have either IAFT 16949 or ISO 9001 certification. If the certification is not in place, the Suppliers must be committed to achieving at least ISO 9001 certification and be performing satisfactorily against a Business approved development plan.
     

  • Technical Expertise & Certifications – Ability to provide SDS, COA, quality reports and responses to requests for information regarding the material.

In order to process Suppliers invoices in an efficient and timely manner all invoicing must follow the agreed upon payment terms in the purchase order and must be in strict accordance with Kuraray’s invoicing instructions as set forth in the Invoicing Instructions below.

(a) Suppliers are expected to procure and maintain at its sole cost and expense, with insurance companies reasonably satisfactory to Kuraray and authorized to do business in all areas where Services will be performed, and shall furnish (and cause each of its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors to procure, maintain and furnish) to Kuraray copies of insurance certificates, evidencing that it (and they) maintain(s) the following policies, and minimum coverage amounts while performing the Services, subject to the terms and conditions of the policies:

 

Policy                                                 Minimum Limits

Workers’ Compensation                     Statutory

Employers’ Liability                             $1,000,000

Commercial General Liability            $1,000,000 each occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate                                               

Automobile Liability                            $1,000,000 each occurrence

Umbrella Liability                                $10,000,000 each occurrence

 

(b) The foregoing commercial general liability, automobile liability and umbrella liability insurance policies required of Supplier, its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors shall name the Kuraray Group as an additional insured. 

(c) In addition, each insurance policy and corresponding insurance certificate(s) required by Supplier, its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors shall be endorsed to provide contractual liability for Contractor’s assumed liabilities hereunder, a waiver of subrogation in favor Kuraray Group, and shall be primary insurance coverage for Contractor’s assumed liabilities.  Contractor agrees on its behalf and on behalf of its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors, to release, defend, indemnify and hold the Kuraray Group harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses (including, but not limited to, legal fees and increased insurance premiums) arising out of any breach by Contractor and/or its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors.

Enrollment in Kuraray’s Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) is required for applicable suppliers working for full days at a time (minimum half days) in High-Risk Exposure Areas or Service.

  • There is no direct cost to the supplier.

  • Workers’ compensation (general liability and excess liability) insurance needs to carve out the supplier’s normal rates.

  • Kuraray pays for the OCIP coverage – however the supplier needs to remove any markups for WC, GL and Excess.

  • Supplier is required to carry insurance, however if enrolled in OCIP, the supplier will be covered under the WC, GL and Excess through the OCIP when onsite.

  • Supplier corporations, WC, GL and Excess insurance cover them outside the Kuraray gates.


Suppliers shall and shall cause its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors who perform the Services at Kuraray’s site and who are eligible for the OCIP to do all the actions and documentations required for the enrollment with the OCIP and abide by the requirements set forth in Kuraray’s then-current OCIP Insurance Manual (the “OCIP Manual”).

Logistics

The following policies apply to all logistics services provided to Kuraray America, Inc.

  • All Suppliers (service providers) are expected to complete the qualification process prior to becoming an approved Supplier for Kuraray America, Inc. Logistics service providers in this category include companies that provide the following services:

    • Third Party Logistics Providers (3PLs) / Transporters

    • Warehouse Services

    • Freight forwarding

    • Customs House Brokerage (CHB)

    • Air, maritime, rail and over-the-road transport

    • Consulting

    • Value added services

In order to process Logistics invoices in an efficient and timely manner all invoices must be submitted to Kuraray promptly after service date. Invoices must comply with the agreed payment terms in the contract and follow the invoice instructions outlined below.

All potential Suppliers must be qualified prior to becoming an approved Suppliers for Kuraray America, Inc. Suppliers must meet the following minimum requirements and criteria:

  • Financial Stability – Subject to a D&B assessment.

  • Supply Capability – Has capacity, equipment, and availability to perform services.

  • Reliability – Demonstrates service reliability through process documentation, references, and audits conducted by the Business Unit.

  • Quality Assurance System – ISO 9001 and/or quality certification preferred.

  • HSE&S – Related certification such as Responsible Care®, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001 preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Work may only begin, and goods may only be shipped, after a Purchase Order (PO) has been issued and a signed acknowledgment, internal order entry, or email confirmation has been provided.

Suppliers are expected to provide signed acknowledgment, internal order confirmation, or email confirmation before beginning any work or shipping any goods.

No. Kuraray only pays for goods and services that are explicitly specified in the Purchase Order. Over-shipments or unauthorized work will not be compensated.

Invoices must strictly follow Kuraray’s Invoicing Instructions and payment terms outlined in the Purchase Order.

Suppliers are expected to comply with the Kuraray Group Code of Conduct, focusing on ethical business practices, sustainability, safety, respect for individuals, and continuous value creation.

Kuraray Code of Conduct

Kuraray’s Sustainable Procurement Policy outlines expectations for suppliers to respect human rights, environmental conservation, compliance, and diversity throughout Procurement.

https://www.kuraray.com/csr/report2024/supplychain

Suppliers must have proven industry experience (minimum 5 years), financial stability, supply capabilities, a good safety record, relevant certifications, insurance compliance, and meet other criteria listed under Suppliers Enrollment Requirements.

Suppliers must maintain Workers’ Compensation, Employers’ Liability, Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Umbrella Liability coverage. Kuraray must be named as an additional insured on relevant policies.

Please see the Procurement> Insurance Requirements section above.

The Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) provides insurance coverage (Workers’ Compensation, General Liability, Excess Liability) for suppliers working on Kuraray sites in high-risk exposure areas. Suppliers must enroll in OCIP and remove any insurance markup costs when billing Kuraray.

General Procurement Inquiries : kai.procurement@kuraray.com

Accounts Payable : accountspayable@kuraray.com

Logistics Inquiries : TransportVendor@kuraray.com

Contact Us

General Notes

  • Except as specifically set forth in an agreement with Kuraray America, Inc., purchase orders are the only approved methods Kuraray America, Inc., uses for procuring goods and services.

  • Goods may not be shipped, and work may not begin until an agreement and/or a purchase order has been entered into between Kuraray America, Inc., and the supplier.

Request more information about Kuraray’s products or services