Hattersheim/Frankfurt am Main, February 25, 2026. Kuraray, the global speciality chemicals company headquartered in Japan with its European headquarters in Hattersheim, will present several product premieres from its Industrial Fibres Business Unit at this year’s Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt (21–24 April 2026, Hall 9.1, Booth B11).

One of Kuraray’s trade fair highlights is the new fibre VECTRAN™ MF. Under the brand name VECTRAN™, Kuraray manufactures high-performance, highly successful liquid crystal polymer fibres (LCP). With a strength-to-weight ratio up to ten times higher than that of aluminium, fibres in the VECTRAN™ family enable the construction of particularly lightweight ropes, textiles, and composites. The latest variant, VECTRAN™ MF, was developed by Kuraray as a bicomponent LCP fibre that allows true piece dyeing while preserving the performance characteristics of LCPs. Also new to Kuraray’s textile fibre portfolio is a colourfast version of its flame-retardant polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibre, marketed under the brand name VINARL™, developed specifically for protective and flame-retardant workwear.
 
Other highlights awaiting visitors to the Kuraray stand include new applications for the company’s luxurious yet durable CLARINO™ artificial leather, as well as a new cellulose acetate fiber, currently under development, which offers an alternative to synthetic, petroleum-based fibres. At its Techtextil stand, Kuraray aims to demonstrate one thing above all: even in its centenary year, innovation remains a defining hallmark of the speciality chemicals company.
 
VECTRAN™ MF – High strength meets exceptional colourability
With VECTRAN™ MF, Kuraray introduces its first high-strength liquid crystal polymer (LCP) fibre that allows piece-dyeing. Kuraray has achieved this by applying a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) sheath to each individual VECTRAN™ filament. This sheath ensures uniform dye uptake in colouring baths and allows faster yarn processing during spinning and weaving. As a result, VECTRAN™ MF is ideal for technical and protective textiles that combine vibrant – even fluorescent – colours with high specific strength and long-term durability.
 
VINARL™ – Permanently flame-retardant and highly colourfast

Founded in 1926 with an initial focus on rayon production, Kuraray gained recognition for developing Japan’s first fully synthetic fibre – KURALON™ made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Kuraray’s specially flame-retardant PVA fibres are marketed under the name VINARL™. Thanks to a flame-retardant additive integrated directly into the fibre, VINARL™ offers permanent safety. Unlike post-treatment methods, its flame protection does not diminish over time or wash out. Making its debut at Techtextil, Kuraray presents an innovative dope-dyed version of this flame-retardant PVA fibre. Available in a range of colours, the new VINARL™ variant gives designers of protective and workwear textiles greater freedom – with lasting colour tones embedded into every single flame-retardant fibre.
 
CLARINO™ – Luxurious non-woven fabric made from the world’s finest microfibres

Under its umbrella brand CLARINO™, Kuraray manufactures and markets speciality products made from the world’s finest microfibre suede, using advanced microfibre and chemical technologies. CLARINO™ stands out for its light weight, suppleness and durability. It is colourfast, breathable, water repellent, weather-resistant, washable and available in numerous colours. This sustainable, luxurious and durable non-woven material matches – and even surpasses – the functional and aesthetic qualities of genuine leather. CLARINO™ is used in a wide range of applications, from bags, gloves, clothing, decoration & display, footwear and sports equipment to interior components in both technical textile and lifestyle markets.
 
From the development lab  
Innovation has always been at the heart of Kuraray’s 100-year history. Currently, a key focus of its research & development work in the Industrial Fibres division is developing sustainable, bio-based fibres for textile and industrial applications. 
 
Cellulose acetate fibre – for more sustainable apparel

Cellulose acetate fibre is a bio-based material that Kuraray has developed to support more sustainable textile production. The new fibre is manufactured using a solvent-free melt-spinning process from bio-based raw materials and is biodegradable under specific conditions. The cellulose acetate fibres are moisture-absorbent, offer good dyeability and are machine-washable. They are therefore suitable for producing eco-friendly sportswear and lifestyle clothing, as well as innovative textile applications.
 
 
 
About Kuraray 
Established in 1991, Kuraray Europe GmbH is based in Hattersheim, near Frankfurt am Main, Germany. In 2024 the company generated annual sales of EUR 1.07 billion. 
It has more than 850 employees in Germany at its sites in Hattersheim, Frankfurt and Troisdorf. Kuraray is a global specialty chemicals company and one of the largest suppliers of industrial polymers and synthetic microfibers for many sectors of industry. Examples are Kuraray Poval™, Mowital®, Trosifol® and Clearfil™. Kuraray Europe also has around 209 employees at seven other European sites. They are also working on the development and application of innovative high-performance materials for a wide range of sectors, including the automotive, paper, glass and packaging industries, as well as for architects and dentists. 
 
Kuraray Europe is a wholly owned subsidiary of the publicly listed Kuraray Group, which is based in Tokyo, Japan, and has more than 11,900 employees worldwide and sales of EUR 4.7 billion. In 2026, Kuraray is celebrating its centenary in Japan, while Kuraray Europe is marking 35 years since its founding.

Press contacts:

Carmen Mundt
Manager Corporate Communications 
Kuraray Europe GmbH
Philipp-Reis-Strasse 4
65795 Hattersheim am Main, Germany
Phone: +49 69 305 85734
Email: Carmen.Mundt@kuraray.com 
Internet: www.kuraray.eu  

Julia Schreiber
Head of Communication Management
möller horcher c/o trivid GmbH
Frankfurter Strasse 151A
63303 Dreieich, Germany
+49 3731 2070 915 
julia.schreiber@moeller-horcher.de 
Internet: www.moeller-horcher.de