What is the history of Kuraray?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

Kuraray Co., Ltd. was founded in June 1926 in Kurashiki, Japan, initially starting as a producer of synthetic rayon fibers. In 1950, the company achieved a monumental scientific breakthrough by successfully commercializing synthetic polyvinyl alcohol fiber known as Vinylon, becoming the first enterprise in Japan to manufacture domestic synthetic fibers. Over subsequent decades, Kuraray expanded its chemical research and manufacturing expertise into optical display films, resins, activated carbon, and specialized medical products, evolving into a premier multinational specialty chemical enterprise.

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