At PlastIndia 2026 Delhi, Kuraray presented its portfolio of high-performance materials, highlighting its EVAL (EVOH), Septon, Hybrar, isoprene chemical solutions, PVOH resins, and interlayer solutions for glass applications.
Yasuhiro Nonaka, head of business, EVAL, outlined the significance of EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) as a high-performance barrier material. “EVAL EVOH offers excellent gas barrier properties, making it ideal for advanced packaging applications,” Nonaka explained. The material is not limited to packaging but widely used in pipe and tank applications, where barrier performance is critical, he noted.
From the functional materials division, Dhaval Rameshbhai Chandan, assistant manager of sales, provided insights into Kuraray’s broader specialty polymer portfolio, particularly focusing on Septon thermoplastic elastomers.
On the company’s global footprint, Chandan highlighted Kuraray’s presence across 45 production sites and 120 offices worldwide. The company currently operates in India through sales and distribution, with facilities in Delhi and Mumbai.
Discussing Septon, Chandan described it as a styrenic block copolymer produced in Thailand and Japan. “Septon materials are widely used in molding and extrusion processes across industries such as automotive, medical devices, personal care, and general plastics,” he said. The portfolio includes general-purpose grades such as SEBS 8851 as well as specialty grades such as 4055 for more demanding applications.
Kuraray is promoting its liquid rubber solutions, particularly for tyre modification. “Our liquid rubber enhances tyre performance, and we are actively targeting tyre manufacturers with this solution,” Chandan added.
Sustainability was a key theme, particularly in response to evolving global recycling regulations. Nonaka said EVOH is well-positioned within recycling guidelines and can be processed within polyolefin recycling streams. “Customers are increasingly shifting from traditional aluminum and PET structures to EVOH-based solutions due to recyclability advantages,” he said. This shift aligns with the broader industry push toward mono-material and recyclable packaging formats.
Nonaka highlighted the company’s recently established technical centers in Singapore and Mumbai, which enable material analysis, product evaluation, and collaborative development with customers. “We are very happy to support our customers in creating new business opportunities by evaluating materials and applications,” he added.
The exhibition, according to Nonaka, served as a valuable platform for engagement. “Existing customers came for meaningful discussions, and new customers showed strong interest in our materials and technologies,” he said. Kuraray is set to enhance its supply capabilities with a new plant in Singapore, aimed at ensuring a stable supply and meeting growing demand.
