About Kuraray's PVOH
Kuraray is a world leader in specialty chemicals and functional materials. Kuraray transforms materials for the future and for the ever-changing world. We are committed to developing materials that deliver quality and value while helping our customers differentiate themselves from their competition.
Kuraray has offices located around the world with production facilities in Germany, Singapore, Japan and United States.
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL Benefits from using KURARAY POVAL™
- Global production units (6)
- Global technical service
- Local supply chain
- Local safety stock
- Long term commitment
- Technology leader for PVOH globally
- Technical solutions from numerous R&D facilities
- Specialty polyvinyl alcohols
- Tailor-made products
- Pioneer in PVOH technology
- Narrow specifications
- High solid content
- Very low impurities
- Low VOC levels
- Low ash content
- Low CO2 footprint
- Strong product stewardship
- Commitment on product safety for use in food packaging
HERE TO INNOVATE History of KURARAY POVAL™
Kuraray began producing polyvinyl alcohol (KURARAY POVAL™) as a raw material for Vinylon fiber in the early 1950s and started external sales in 1958. As applications for KURARAY POVAL™ were developed, Kuraray grew its production.
With a plant in Singapore and the acquisition of Clariant AG, Kuraray became a global leader in polyvinyl alcohol production. With the groundbreaking and construction of the new KURARAY POVAL™ plant in Houston, Kuraray will continue to be the largest global producer of polyvinyl alcohol.
Test production facility of PVA fiber
| 1958 | Kuraray begins producing KURARAY POVAL™ for commercial use, becoming the first company to do so in history |
| 1961 | KURARAY POVAL™ sales reach the same level as Kuraray's original product, Vinylon. |
| 1972 | KURARAY POVAL™ sales surpass Vinylon, firmly positioning the company as a top producer in the Poval resin industry. |
| 1996 | Kuraray enters into a joint venture in Singapore to build the first PVOH plant outside of Japan. |
| 2001 | Kuraray purchases PVOH and PVB Resin business from Clariant AG. |
| 2003 | Kuraray completes the construction of the its research and technical center in Pasadena, Texas. |
| 2005 | Kuraray develops new, market-changing technology, PVOH Film, for use in LCD TV screens; announces expansion of PVOH Film Plant in Japan; expands PVOH production in Germany by more than 20,000T. |
| 2006 | Kuraray expands PVOH Film plant in Japan to keep up with market demand for film. |
| 2008 | Kuraray dissolves joint venture in Singapore and becomes sole owner of the PVOH plant. |
| 2010 | Kuraray expands the PVOH Film plant to further supply for the growing demand in LCD applications. |
| 2012 | Kuraray acquires MonoSol, a PVOH Film manufacturer and expands German KURARAY POVAL™ facility. |
| 2013 | Kuraray announces expansion of MonoSol facilities. |
| 2014 | Kuraray acquires Dupont Vinyl Acetate Product Groups including VAM, PVOH and PVB. |
