Japanese chemical giant Kuraray has announced the construction of a new $410 million facility in Singapore, slated to commence operations by the end of 2026. This strategic move is designed to bolster the production of EVAL, a specialty resin acclaimed for its superior barrier properties that significantly extend the shelf life of food products by preventing oxygen penetration. This initiative not only marks Kuraray’s inaugural venture into the Southeast Asian production landscape but also underscores its commitment to addressing the escalating global challenge of food waste.
With an initial capacity to produce 36,000 tonnes of front-end products annually, supplemented by an 18,000-tonne back-end production capability, Kuraray is poised to make a profound impact on the packaging industry. This expansion is part of a broader ambition to enhance its global EVAL production capacity, which currently stands at 103,000 tonnes across facilities in Japan, the United States, and Belgium. By the end of 2026, Kuraray aims to increase this figure by approximately 30%, with further investments earmarked to expand the Singapore plant’s capacity as early as fiscal 2026.
Kuraray’s decision to establish a new plant in Singapore is not arbitrary; it is a calculated move leveraging the robust supply chains and client networks it has nurtured in the region through its production of polyvinyl alcohol, another specialty resin. This venture is anticipated to fortify Kuraray’s position as a leader in innovative packaging solutions, contributing significantly to the reduction of food waste in Asia and beyond.
