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Kuraray America, Inc.
Kuraray is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, resin and film production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities, and a vast supply network from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin and elastomer products. The Kuraray Group is the world’s largest producer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) resins. Kuraray America, Inc. is a U.S. subsidiary of the Kuraray Group and is focused on becoming an integrated supplier with a broad portfolio of materials and technologies for the agricultural, consumer goods, automotive, packaging, oil and gas, and other industrial sectors. OWNERSHIP: Kuraray Co., Ltd., was established in 1926 in Kurashiki, Japan, as a textile company. With 77 subsidiaries around the world, major operations are concentrated in the United States, Ger-many, Belgium, China, and Singapore. PRODUCTS PRODUCED IN THE UNITED STATES: • EVAL™ EVOH resin – Kuraray has manufactured and marketed EVOH under the name EVAL™ since 1972 and remains the world leader in EVOH production and market development. EVAL™ resin is commercially available in two forms: resins (plastic pellets for co-extrusion) and films (for lamination). These high-barrier polymers are particularly suited for preserving quality and avoiding waste in food, medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial packaging. EVAL™ EVOH also helps use energy more efficiently and reduce environmental impact in automotive fuel systems, building and construction materials, and agricultural films. • SEPTON™ thermoplastic elastomer – SEPTON™ copolymer is a family of high-performance hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers. These materials are utilized for their soft-touch and elastomeric properties. SEPTON™ copolymer has high tensile strength and elasticity ideal for rubberized molding applications, adhesives, sealants, and polymer modification. It can be used as a base polymer for many applications and is found in a variety of products, including toothbrush, razor, and other soft-touch grips; airbag covers; bottle cap liners; additives for motor oil; and gel padding materials. • KURARAY POVAL™ PVOH resins – KURARAY POVAL™ PVOH is as diverse in its applications as it is in its processing. It is a water-soluble, oil-resistant polymer that can be found in a wide range of everyday products. PVOH is produced by converting polyvinyl acetate into polyvinyl alcohol through a saponification process. Kuraray was the first company to produce PVOH in the early 1950s commercially. PVOH is the raw material for polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin and is commonly found in specialty papers, adhesives, glues and binders for ceramics. It is also used as a water-soluble film in monodose detergent applications (MonoSol). • VAM – Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) is a raw material used in the production of KURARAY POVAL™, ELVANOL™, EVAL™, and PVB. • Other products manufactured throughout the world and sold in the United States: o Genestar™ resin – High-temperature PA9T polyamide used in the automotive market. o CLEARFIL™ dental adhesive and composites, KATANATM zirconia materials, and other dental products. o Plantic™ Bio-Based Sheet – PLANTIC™ sheet offers a barrier solution similar to EVAL™ EVOH, but with additional bio-friendly value. Any fresh products—such as meat, chicken, fish, salads, and pasta—can be packed in PLANTIC™ sheet because it has an exceptional gas barrier performance. The core layer of its structure consists predominately of high-amylose starch, so it breaks down more quickly once it is disposed of. Manufacturing PLANTIC™ sheet consumes less energy than traditional packaging plastics, so it has a significantly lower carbon footprint. o KURARAY LIQUID RUBBER – Used as an additive in rubber tires to improve strength and durability. o Activated Carbon – Used as a water filtration product in both industrial and urban applications. o Isoprene Chemicals – polyols and diols used in a variety of markets, including cosmetics, foam, perfumes, etc. o CLARINO™ manmade leather – Kuraray is a world leader in manufacturing synthetic leather for garments, sporting goods, shoes, and home furnishings. The various configurations of genuine leather-like CLARINO meet all the requirements of weight, flexibility, durability and quality for these products.