As we celebrate 100 years of Kuraray in 2026, we honor a legacy of innovation, responsibility, and a commitment to addressing the world's ever-evolving challenges.

Since our foundation in 1926, we have remained dedicated to upholding social responsibility and advancing unique technologies, all while adapting to the changing demands of society. Moving forward, we will continue to create value in collaboration with society and remain an essential company, trusted and relied upon by people worldwide. With the next century in mind, Kuraray will strive to unlock new possibilities for the future.

100 years of

Kuraray embarked its business journey in 1926 with the goal of commercializing rayon, a groundbreaking technology at the time. In 1950, we became the first company to introduce polyvinyl alcohol synthetic fiber to market, while also commercializing its raw material resin.

Since then, we have continued to innovate, leveraging our unique expertise in polymer and synthetic chemistry to develop advanced resins and chemicals.

Today, Kuraray is a global specialty chemical company, providing innovative products and solutions used across diverse industries, including automotive, architecture and construction, electronics, packaging, and sports and outdoor applications.

START

1920s-1950s

Kuraray was founded in 1926 in the city of Kurashiki with the goal of commercializing synthetic rayon. In the 1950s, we became the first company to bring polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, PVOH) fiber to market, which soon replaced natural cotton, ensuring a stable supply of fabric for clothing production.

1960s

We developed CLARINO™ man-made leather, designed to replicate the structure of natural leather, and introduced polyester technology. Additionally, we became the first company in Japan to export a PVA fiber plant to China, achieving this milestone before the normalization of diplomatic relations.

1970s

We pioneered the commercialization of the world’s first synthetic isoprene chemical products and launched new businesses, including EVAL™ gas barrier resin, medical products such as contact lenses, artificial organs, and dental materials, as well as a nonwoven fabric through a joint venture with a company overseas.

1980s

We broadened our portfolio with products such as soft contact lenses, optical disks, opto-screens, and melt-blown nonwoven fabrics while strengthening our presence in the U.S. and Europe through joint ventures in CLARINO™ man-made leather and EVAL™ EVOH resin.

1990s

We introduced SEPTON™ thermoplastic elastomer, KURALON K-II™ water-soluble PVA fiber, and GENESTAR™ heat-resistant polyamide resin. EVAL™ EVOH resin and PVOH resin plants were established in Belgium and Singapore, respectively. We also launched our donation matching program and hosted our first chemistry class event for elementary school children.

2000s

We expanded key businesses globally through strategic acquisitions, including PVA-related operations, advanced interlayer film businesses, and VECTRAN™ liquid crystal polymer fibers, while starting production of SEPTON™ in the U.S. The Kuraray Group’s unique technologies and products found widespread use worldwide, leading to significant growth in overseas sales.

2010s

Through ongoing overseas acquisitions and strategic alliances, we successfully expanded businesses and products that contribute to both natural and living environments. This included activated carbon for water and air purification, as well as PLANTIC™ biomass-derived gas barrier material, which helps reduce logistical burdens and minimize food loss.

2020s

Guided by our mission: "For people and the planet—to achieve what no one else can", we are committed to building a more sophisticated business portfolio that drives sustainable growth. We evaluate our ventures through the lenses of social, environmental, and economic value, while considering market expansion. To strengthen our impact, we are strategically directing resources into key business areas.

Kuraray Today

100
years of history lead us into 2026
11,000+
employees around the world
32
countries and regions around the world

The Origin of Kuraray
We still work for the benefit of all

Our founder, Magosaburo Ohara, emphasized the importance of corporate social responsibility, stating that “all the wealth gained from society should be returned to society.” Guided by this philosophy, he established the Ohara Institute for Social Research, the Kurashiki Institute for the Science of Labour (now the Ohara Memorial Institute for Science of Labour) for the improvement and reformation of labor conditions, the Kurabo Central Hospital (now the Kurashiki Central Hospital), and the Ohara Museum of Art. These facilities contributed to the advancement of local medicine, welfare, education, culture, and people’s standard of living.

Kuraray believes that the sound and sustainable development of society is not only a precondition for corporate growth and prosperity, but also the ultimate goal of corporate activities. We are committed to contributing to society through products and businesses that offer genuine value to people. In addition, we actively engage in addressing social issues as a responsible corporate citizen.

Moving forward, the entire Kuraray Group will continue to work together to share Kuraray’s philosophy of social contribution with society and collaborate towards a sustainable world.

Kuraray Initiatives

Global efforts
The Kuraray Group is committed to supporting disaster relief through both immediate donations and long-term aid via the Kuraray Foundation. In recent years, this commitment has included relief efforts following the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake and the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake in Japan. 
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Supporting education, health, and inclusion
For many years we’ve run the Sending School Backpacks Across the Sea campaign, delivering over 163,000 backpacks to children in Afghanistan and beyond. The Kuraray Foundation also supports maternal and child healthcare through the Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning. We promote employment opportunities for those with disabilities through Kuraray workshops and by supporting the Ohara Memorial Institute for Science of Labour. 
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Preserving japanese culture
Kuraray, founded in Kurashiki City, values culture deeply, a tradition rooted in our founder’s efforts. His collection of Western paintings for local citizens led to the establishment of the renowned Ohara Museum of Art. Today, Kuraray continues to support cultural institutions such as the Ohara Museum of Art and Ehime Folk Crafts Museum. We honor researchers of Japanese culture through the Kuraray Foundation, restoring paintings and training young artists.
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Kurashiki plant / Kurashiki research center
The Kurashiki Plant and Kurashiki Research Center support the community spirit through children’s sports tournaments, a summer festival, and a Christmas lighting event while continuing volunteer cleanups, chemistry classes for children, playground equipment donations, and biodiversity efforts recognized with the highest rank (AAA) in the JHEP certification.
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Saijo plant
The Saijo Plant continues to strengthen community bonds through activities such as a cherry blossom viewing party and the distribution of a video afterwards, a summer festival, volunteer cleanups, children’s chemistry classes, book donations, and ongoing support for the Ehime Folk Art Museum.
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Okayama plant
The Okayama Plant focuses on education and environmental conservation through painting and calligraphy contests with local schools, work experience programs for junior high students, and book donations. It organizes cleanups of local natural areas, a summer festival, and various donations.
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Niigata plant
The Niigata Plant builds community trust through long-running student sports events, cherry blossom viewing parties, participation in traditional dance festivals, children’s chemistry classes, and environmental and local welfare activities.
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Kashima plant
The Kashima Plant hosts chemistry classes, sports tournaments, and book donations. It also supports biodiversity by donating to the conservation of storks in Kamisu City, which was recognized with a letter of appreciation from the city.
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Tsurumi plant
The Tsurumi Plant promotes biodiversity conservation through study sessions, eelgrass restoration activities, and beach and road cleanups. Since 2023, it has advanced its efforts with a slogan of “protecting the richness of the sea and land and creating a city where we can continue living.”
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Tsukuba research center
The Tsukuba Research Center promotes inclusive sports by supporting vision-impaired futsal and promotes community interaction through friendly matches and outreach by its futsal club. In 2024, it hosted local students for a facility tour and a discussion session to deepen regional ties.
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Osaka office
The Osaka Office fosters local engagement by sponsoring events in the Umeda area and participating in events hosted by other buildings. It also supports traditional craftsmanship through its role on the council of the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, Osaka, supporting cultural and community engagement.
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Tokyo head office
The Tokyo Head Office engages in social efforts through tenant exchange events, disaster stockpile donations, and the donation of books to elementary schools in Chuo-ku and Katsushika-ku. It also promotes the Sending School Backpacks Across the Sea campaign and manages the Kuraray Foundation, overseeing donations and disaster relief efforts.
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A Company to Take Pride in
For people and the planet – to achieve what no one else can

We are committed to developing new fields of business using pioneering technology that improves the environment and enhances the quality of life throughout the world.

We will constantly develop and provide safe, high-quality products and services.
We will maintain a sound relationship with society through good communication.
We will strive to preserve and improve the global environment, and to secure safety and health in all our workplaces.
We will value all members of the Kuraray community and respect their rights.

As we celebrate 100 years of Kuraray in 2026, we honor a legacy of innovation, responsibility, and a commitment to addressing the world's ever-evolving challenges.

100 years of

100 years of

START

1920s-1950s

1960s

1960s

1970s

1970s

1980s

1980s

1990s

1990s

2000s

2000s

2010s

2010s

2020s

2020s

Kuraray Today

The Origin of KurarayWe still work for the benefit of all

Kuraray Initiatives

Global efforts

Supporting education, health, and inclusion

Preserving japanese culture

Kurashiki plant / Kurashiki research center

Saijo plant

Okayama plant

Niigata plant

Kashima plant

Tsurumi plant

Tsukuba research center

Osaka office

Tokyo head office

Kuraray Europe

Kuraray America

Kuraray South America

Kuraray Colombia

Kuraray India

Kuraray Korea

Kuraray Trading

Kuraray Plastics

Kuraray Noritake Dental

MonoSol

Calgon Carbon

Plantic Technologies

A Company to Take Pride in For people and the planet – to achieve what no one else can

The Origin of Kuraray
We still work for the benefit of all

A Company to Take Pride in
For people and the planet – to achieve what no one else can