In 1926 Kuraray Co., Ltd. was established in Kurashiki City, Japan, where it started the industrial production of viscose rayon. Through intensive research and development the company succeeded in building up extensive expertise and technological strength in the fields of polymer chemistry, synthetic chemistry and chemical engineering. Thanks to this technological strength and extensive expertise Kuraray was able to develop highly innovative products in a wide range of selected businesses.

Today Kuraray develops and manufactures quality and highly innovative products ranging from synthetic resins, fine chemicals, non-woven fabrics, man-made leather to laser discs and medical products. A number of products developed and manufactured by Kuraray have become world-leading products. Among these products are: polyvinyl alcohol fiber KURALON, polyvinyl alcohol resin POVAL, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer EVAL, manmade leather CLARINO and isoprene-based fine chemicals for perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and other specialized applications.

The Kuraray Group, which includes Kuraray Co., Ltd., its consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies, embraces about 80 companies in Japan and abroad with approximately 7,000 employees. Each company within the Group, while demonstrating its individual character, is committed to satisfy the diverse needs of society in their field of business.