Kuraray Co., Ltd.

Kuraray was established in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, in 1926, with the aim of commercializing chemical fiber viscose, under the name Kurashiki Silk Weaving.

In 1926, Kurashiki Silk Weaving Co., Ltd. (now Kuraray Co., Ltd.) was established in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture.

After two years of trial and error, production of viscose yarn began.

In 1929, the Great Depression started with the stock market crash in the United States, leading to a global economic downturn.

In 1939, World War II broke out in Europe.

During wartime, the company temporarily changed its name to Kurashiki Aviation Chemical Co., Ltd. to continue operations, producing plywood and wooden airplanes.

Participated in capital with Kadoi Rubber (now Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.) and joined the group.

Changed the company name from Kurashiki Silk Weaving Co., Ltd. to Kurashiki Rayon Co., Ltd.

In the 1950s, it commercialized Vinalon as the world's first domestically produced synthetic fiber, which became popular as a substitute for cotton in school uniforms and other applications.

Vinalon yarn was adopted as a substitute for cotton in fishing nets and school uniforms, becoming a huge hit.

The Soviet Union successfully launched the world's first artificial satellite, Sputnik.

Developed artificial leather "Clairino®" that reproduces the structure of natural leather, and introduced polyester technology, exporting Vinalon manufacturing plants to China before diplomatic normalization with Japan.

In the 1960s, developed artificial leather <Clairino®> that reproduces the structure of natural leather, introduced polyester technology, and exported a vinylon manufacturing plant to China before diplomatic normalization.

Gagarin becomes the first human in space.

Exported a Poval-Rubinon integrated manufacturing plant to the People's Republic of China.

Established a representative office in New York, USA, and entered the US market. (Transferred to Kuraray America in 1996)

Japan's first high-speed train, the Shinkansen, was opened.

Established a representative office in Hamburg, Germany, and entered the European market. (Moved to Dusseldorf in 1968)

First human moon landing by the Apollo program.

Commercialized the world's first synthetic isoprene chemical products, high gas barrier functional resins "Ebar®", and entered medical businesses including dental materials, artificial organs, and contact lenses, as well as non-woven fabric joint ventures with foreign companies.

Changed the company name to Kuraray Co., Ltd. due to diversification and globalization of products.

In the 1970s, launched new businesses including the world's first synthetic isoprene chemical products, high gas barrier functional resin <Ebar®>, medical business such as dental materials, artificial organs, and contact lenses, and non-woven fabric business through joint ventures with foreign companies.

Started operation at Kashima Factory and launched isoprene chemical business, making the company first involved in petrochemicals. Produces synthetic rubber used in tires.

Entered the dental materials business. Launched dental filling material <Clearfil® Bond>.

Osaka Synthetic Products Co., Ltd. (now Kuraray Trading Co., Ltd.) became part of the Kuraray Group with majority investment.

Established a joint venture for "Ebar®" in the U.S. and started production of optoscreens, building a foothold for overseas expansion.

In the 1980s, established a joint venture for <Ebar®> in the US, laying the foundation for overseas expansion, and started production of opto screens.

Started production of soft contact lenses (business transferred in 2005).

The Berlin Wall fell.

Commercialized thermoplastic elastomer "Septon®", new PVA fiber "Claron K-Ⅱ®", and heat-resistant polyamide resins "Genesta®"; established production bases for "Ebar®" in Belgium and Poval resins in Singapore.

Laser discs expanded to an annual production of 7 million units. (Laser disc business withdrew in 2003)

In the 1990s, commercialized thermoplastic elastomer <Septone®>, new PVA fiber <Claron K-II®>, heat-resistant polyamide resin <Genesta®>, established <Ebar®> production base in Belgium, and polybar resin production base in Singapore.

Collapse of the Soviet Union.

<Evar®> adopted in automobile gasoline tanks.

The first "Youth Chemistry Classroom" was held.

Windows 95 was released.

Accelerated overseas expansion by acquiring Poval-related businesses in Germany and starting production of "Septon®" in the U.S.

In the 2000s, accelerated overseas expansion of key businesses by acquiring polybutadiene-related businesses in Germany and starting production of Septon® in the United States.

Multiple terrorist attacks occurred in the United States.

Acquired the vinyl acetate-related business of Clariant AG (Switzerland) in Germany. This was the company's first overseas M&A deal.

Initiated the international social contribution activity "Randoseru crosses the sea."

Acquired PVB film business of HT Troplast.

Acquired the liquid crystal polymer fiber <Bectran®> business of Ceranise Advanced Materials in the United States.

The Lehman Brothers' collapse triggered the Lehman Shock, leading to a global recession.

In Japan, a commercial using alpaca with the keyword "Mirabakesso" became a huge hit.

Promoted strengthening and expansion of business through M&A and alliances, aiming to become a "specialty chemical company with global presence."

In the 2010s, promoted the strengthening and expansion of businesses through M&A and alliances toward becoming a specialty chemical company with a presence in the world.

The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred.

Acquired Monosol, a leading company in industrial polybar film.

Acquired DuPont's vinyl acetate related business.

Acquired Plantic Technologies of Australia, which handles biomass-derived barrier film business.

Acquired Calgon Carbon, a US manufacturer and seller of activated carbon.

A fire accident occurred at the Evaar factory in the United States.

As part of isoprene-related businesses, established the first plant in Asia in Thailand, starting production of three products: isoprene chemicals, thermoplastic elastomer "Septon®", and heat-resistant polyamide resins "Genesta®".

COVID-19 spread globally.

The adoption of telecommuting and online meetings advanced.

In the 2020s, established Asia's first plant in Thailand for isoprene-related business, and started production of three products (isoprene chemicals, thermoplastic elastomers Septon®, heat-resistant polyamide resins Genesta®).

A new isoprene-related plant was completed and started operation in Thailand.

Acquired Nurnbo, which has a unique surface modification technology.

The company celebrates its 100th anniversary.