Kuraray Europe GmbH Sustainability Blog 100 years of social responsibility – Together we make a difference
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A century ago, Kuraray’s founder in Japan laid the foundations for a company that always wanted to be more than just a successful business. He believed that success brings responsibility, that those who take should also give something back. That philosophy still shapes Kuraray today. It is reflected both in our corporate initiatives and, above all, in the commitment of our employees, who assume responsibility with drive and creativity – day after day, all round the world. Kuraray Europe GmbH – known as KEG for short – remained true to that principle in 2025.
We supported initiatives to improve people’s lives in the regions where we do business and encouraged all our employees to get involved. Because engagement is most effective if it is personal and comes from the heart. Last September, which was dedicated to sustainability at KEG, offered many opportunities for that. Talks by specialists invited us to examine the wide-ranging dimensions of sustainability, and many of our employees participated in a variety of projects.
For example, volunteers at two of our sites tackled a range of tasks during the Kuraray Social Day. In perfect weather, they had fun smartening up the playground and outdoor areas at the Villa Kunterbunt childcare facility at our headquarters in Hattersheim. They also replaced the roof on a playhouse and painted the communal areas and summerhouse. Volunteers from the Advanced Interlayer Solutions division built a new insect hotel and a beehive at the Heidepänz childcare center at our production site in Troisdorf. Their joint efforts were rewarded by a visible improvement at both childcare facilities, as well as the satisfaction of having achieved something worthwhile together.
The clean-up walks at our Hattersheim and Troisdorf sites were another example of active involvement. Equipped with gloves and trash tongs, participants picked up refuse in a display of thoughtfulness and environmental responsibility.
Another idea, which was initiated by employees in Troisdorf five years ago, remained successful in 2025: The bright red collection bins for bottles with a refundable deposit were widely used. Over the year, deposits of EUR 1,195 were collected, and a donation from our service provider Tombers increased the amount to EUR 1,390. On St. Nicholas Day, the money was presented to Elterninitiative krebskranker Kinder St. Augustin e.V., a charity set up by the parents of children with cancer.
Sometimes, just one small spark is all that is needed to make something special happen. When employees at the Frankfurt site heard about thirteen-year-old Kira, who is seriously ill and waiting for a stem cell transplant, there was a spontaneous desire to do something to brighten her life. One item on her wish list – “See Korea” – led to a moving collaboration between colleagues in Frankfurt and Korea.
Since Kira is not able to travel at present, they decided to bring Korea to her. Irene Kim and her team kindly put together a parcel of toys and other surprises. The highlight: a tablet with a personal video message from staff in Ulsan and Seoul, together with photos, films, and Korean apps to give Kira a digital insight into this distant country.
»We were all very sad to hear that such a young person is so ill, so we were especially happy that our small gesture gave her so much pleasure.«
Irene Kim
Supply Chain Manager at the Ulsan production site, Kuraray Korea
If a suitable donor is found and Kira’s health improves, the original plan for her to visit Korea will be revived. Tobias Fiedler, who sparked the campaign, appeals to people to register as stem cell donors to give people like Kira the chance of a new life. If you would like to register, here is the link: Stammzellspende: So kannst du helfen. Fiedler would especially like to thank staff in Korea for their readiness to help.
»I’m very proud that we managed to realize this ‘project’ together. The question was never, whether we could help, but how we could do so.«
Tobias Fiedler
Plant Manager PVB Production Frankfurt, Kuraray Europe GmbH
Another project that is close to our hearts is our annual participation in “Christmas in a shoebox”– the world’s biggest campaign to provide gifts for children in need. As in the past, at the end of 2025 many colleagues packed cheerfully decorated boxes with carefully chosen gifts to bring some happiness to children living in difficult circumstances.
Social responsibility is also something we do as a company. One tradition is the Kuraray Golf Cup, where the proceeds are donated to charity. Last year, around EUR 20,000 were raised and donated to 22 organizations involved in social, cultural, or ecological projects. The refurbishment of our headquarters in Hattersheim gave us an opportunity to donate some furniture that was still in good condition to welfare organizations. Employees were also able to acquire items in return for donations, which we passed on to a charity.
In addition, a substantial amount was donated to the German nature conservation society NABU. For many years, this organization has worked to protect endangered species and habitats.
Our examples show what can be achieved by the combined efforts of many individuals and our company. Every contribution – however big or small – strengthens the Kuraray community. What’s more, its impact extends beyond our company. Together, we put our hearts, minds, and sense of community into fulfilling our founder’s philosophy:
Give and take go hand in hand. And that is what makes Kuraray what it is –
a company that thrives thanks to the commitment of its people.
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