Kuraray aims to build liquid rubber plant in US

Japanese group Kuraray, manufacturer of chemicals, fibres and other materials, aims to build a new plant for liquid rubber in the US under a strategic capital investment programme to 2026, according to its 2022 annual report.

It is also targeting further development of liquid rubber made from biomass-derived materials.

The planned US plant is included within the organisation's "Passion 2026" capital Investment programme, totalling ¥380 billion (€2.8bn) over a cumulative five-year period.

Kuraray’s US operations include a plant for the production of styrenic thermoplastic elastomers at a site in Pasadena, Texas, which started in 2002.

Further development of liquid rubber made from biomass-derived materials was also listed as among its strategic sustainability goals.

Kuraray defines its liquid rubber materials as high-viscosity synthetic rubbers based on isoprene, butadiene and styrene, which are colourless, transparent, almost entirely odourless and low-VOC.

Applications include: tyres, belts, hoses, rubber goods, footwear, adhesives, coatings, sealants, additives for asphalt, lubricants, bonding agents and reactive plasticisers.

Other strategic goals include strengthening the global supply system for Septon styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, the company stated in its 2022 report.

Kuraray is also targeting development and expanded sales of high value-added elastomer products made from sustainable raw materials.