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Overview
Name:
Kuraray Co., Ltd.
President:
Masaaki Ito
Representative Director and
President
Establi0e,d-
June 24, 1926
89 billion yen
(as of December 31, 2016)
Employees:
8,590
(consolidated, as of
December 31, 2016)
Nei
485.2 billion yen
(consolidated, fiscal year
ended December 2016)
Major overseas bases:
U.S.A., Germany, Belgium,
China, Singapore
Net sales
(Billion yen)
550
521.7
500 485.0 485.2
450
400 '
t �
2014`2015 2016 (FY)
(Jan.- (Jan.- (Jan.-
Dec.2014) Dec. 2015) Dec. 2016)
Operating income
(Billion yen)
70 67.8
Net sales by business segment in FY2016
OthersI Vinyl acetate
Trading
I
Fibers and
textiles
Functional
materials 41 Isoprene
Net sales by region in FY2016
North America � Others
Eur(
Japan
' From fiscal 2014, the fiscal year-end has changed from March 31 to December 31. The consolidated accounting period for fiscal 2014 is the nine
months from April to December 2014 in Japan and the twelve months from January to December 2014 overseas. Figures for fiscal 2014 in this
corporate sketch reflect the 12 months from January to December for Kuraray Co., Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries in Japan and overseas.
In this report, italicized product names are trademarks of the Kuraray Group, 7
Amounts are rounded to the nearest hundred million.
66.1
i
� zl
60
. .
51.4
50
0
2014'
2015
2016 (FY)
(Jan.-
(Jan.-
(Jan. -
Dec. 2014)
Dec. 2015)
Dec. 2016)
Net sales by business segment in FY2016
OthersI Vinyl acetate
Trading
I
Fibers and
textiles
Functional
materials 41 Isoprene
Net sales by region in FY2016
North America � Others
Eur(
Japan
' From fiscal 2014, the fiscal year-end has changed from March 31 to December 31. The consolidated accounting period for fiscal 2014 is the nine
months from April to December 2014 in Japan and the twelve months from January to December 2014 overseas. Figures for fiscal 2014 in this
corporate sketch reflect the 12 months from January to December for Kuraray Co., Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries in Japan and overseas.
In this report, italicized product names are trademarks of the Kuraray Group, 7
Amounts are rounded to the nearest hundred million.

3
History
1926
• Kurashiki Kenshoku Co. Ltd. established
1928
• Production of rayon filament started at Kurashiki Plant
(production ceased in 2001)
1949
• Company name changed to Kurashiki Rayon Co., Ltd.
1950
• KURALON (PVA fiber) commercialized:
Production of PVA started at Toyama Plant
Production of KURALON started at Okayama Plant
1958
• PVA commercialized: Production of PVA for market sales started
1962
• Production of PVA film started at Saijo Plant
1963
• Concluded a contract to export the PVA/PVA fiber production plant
to China
1964
• Polyester commercialized:
Production of polyester staple fiber started at Tamashima Plant
• Hook and loop fasteners commercialized
• CLARINO (man-made leather) commercialized:
Production of CLARINO started at Kurashiki Plant
1969
• Production of polyester filament started at Saijo Plant
1970
• Company name changed to current Kuraray Co., Ltd.
1972
• EVAL (EVOH resin) commercialized: Production of EVAL resin started at
Okayama Plant
• Non -woven fabrics commercialized:
Production of KURAFLEX (dry -laid nonwoven fabric) started at Okayama Plant
• Isoprene chemicals commercialized:
Production of polyisoprene rubber started at Kashima Plant
1978
• Dental materials commercialized:
Sales of CLEARFIL (dental materials) started
1989
• Merged with Kyowa Gas Chemical Co., Ltd., a methacrylic
resin manufacturer
1990
• Production of VECTRAN (high-strength polyarylate fiber) started at
Saijo Plant
• SEPTON (thermoplastic elastomer) commercialized:
Production of SEPTON started at Kashima Plant
1999
• Production of GENESTAR (heat -resistant polyamide resin) started at
Saijo Plant
2001
• Acquired PVA and PVB business of Clariant AG
2004
• Acquired PVB film business of HT Troplast AG
2011
• Production of KURARITY (acrylic thermoplastic elastomer) started at
Niigata Plant
2012
• Acquired MonoSol, LLC, which is engaged in the industrial PVA film
business
20.14
• Acquired glass laminating solutions/vinyls business of E. I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company ("DuPont')
2015
• Acquired Plantic Technologies Limited, which is engaged in the
bio -based barrier film business
KURARAY GROUP CORPORATE SKETCH 02

Our commitment to creativity has
generated a long line of products.
We benefit society by "achieving what
no one else can."
We at Kuraray have used our unique technical strengths to create
products that the world had never seen before. We were the first
company in the world to commercialize KURALON (PVA fiber), the
first synthetic fiber produced using made -in -Japan technology.
Other businesses we have created include PVA resin, which is a
raw material of KURALON; PVA film, which is essential for LCDs;
EVAL (EVOH resin), which features excellent gas barrier properties;
and a lineup of the world's only synthetic isoprene chemical
products. We have also launched a wide range of products that
have become an integral part of people's lives, such as CLARINO
(man-made leather), which recreates the structure of natural
leather, and MAGIC TAPE (hook -and -loop fastener).
The worldwide number -one businesses* that we have created
using our unique technologies account for more than half of the
Kuraray Group's total sales.
2000 2005 2010 2016 (FY)
(Apr. 2000- (Apr. 2005- (Apr. 2010- (Jan. -Dec. 2016)
Mar. 2001) Mar. 2006) Mar. 2011)
Businesses that have the world's top market share, or are the only ones in their category
worldwide (in-house survey)
03 KURARAY GROUP CORPORATE SKETCH
KURARAY POVAL/ELVANOL (PVA resin)
PVA resin was industrialized as a raw
material for the synthetic fiber
KURALON. It has a number of
characteristics: it is water soluble,
emulsifiable, resistant to oil and
chemicals, and easy to form into film.
It is used in a wide range of
With i-formin r e main areas
of application of MOWITAL includes interlayers for safety glass, paints,
lacquers, varnishes, printing inks, temporary binder for ceramics, and
adhesives.
TROSIFOL offers innovative solutions for laminated safety glass for
the architectural, automotive and photovoltaic industries. Structural
and functional TROSIFOL PVB and ionoplast interlayers enable safety,
security, sound insulation, UV control, decorative and UltraClear
glazing - and more. tonoplast interlayers are five times stronger and up
to 100 times stiffer
than conventional
laminating materials.
Isoprene Business
SEPTON
(thermoplastic elastomer)
SEPTON is a styrenic thermoplastic
elastomer that has excellent
moldability and superior recyclability.
Its areas of application are
expanding in a wide range of fields
with the need for higher performance
in automobiles, home appliances,
and household products.
Isoprene chemicals
We apply our unique synthesizing
technologies to produce a cleaner
MMB that is highly safe and easy to
handle, as well as diols, aroma
chemical and cosmetic ingredients,
pharmaceutical and agrichemical
intermediates, and more.
One -of -a -kind products derived from synthetic
isoprene (MMB, MPD, etc.)
V. YMflr,-. q
0

• A first -in -the -world product industrialized by Kuraray
Used in a wide variety of applications such as polarizing
film, which is vital to LCD displays such as large
flat -panel TVs and tablets, as well as individual
packaging films for detergents, agrochemicals, and
other applications.
'The number one PVA film in the world for optical applications and for
single -use packets for detergents
EVAL (EVOH resin)
EVAL provides excellent barrier properties against the
permeation of gases, superior to those of any other
plastics. It is used widely in food packaging materials to
block out oxygen and preserve the flavor and quality of
foods. It is also adopted in automotive plastic fuel tanks,
as it provides a highly effective barrier against fuel vapor
permeation. It is being used increasingly in a wide variety
of applications, such as vacuum insulation panels for
large refrigerators, in order to improve energy efficiency.
PLANTIC (Bio -based barrier material)
A bio -based barrier material developed through
industry -academia collaborative research in Australia.
Since the commercialization of PLANTIC film in 200V
its use as an environmentally friendly material has been
rising among major retailers and food manufacturers
in Australia, Europe and North America.
` Kuraray acquired Plantic Technologies Limited in 2015.
Kuraray liquid rubber
A low molecular weight liquid rubber made from such
materials as isoprene and butadiene. Its use is
spreading, mainly in such applications as processing
aids for automobile tires, high-performance adhesives
and sealants.
GENESTAR (heat -resistant polyamide resin)
GENESTAR is a new heat -resistant polyamide resin
created by our proprietary technologies. It is used in
electronic parts of mobile phones, computers, and the
like, and its application is growing in backlights for LED
liquid -crystal TV panels and in the automotive field as well.
The world's only industrialized PA9T resin
!F Functional Materials
•
Business
Methacrylic resin
Taking advantage of features such as
transparency, weather resistance, gloss,
and abrasion resistance, methacrylic resin is
widely used in parts for automobiles and
T home electrical appliances, and more. It has
recently gained a large share of the market
for LCD light -guide plates and other optical
components.
............. -...............................................................................................................................
KURARITY (acrylic thermoplastic elastomer)
...................... .........................
A unique material offering transparency, elasticity and
more. We were the first in the world to succeed in
commercializing this material, using proprietaryiA
Kuraray technologies. The market rollout in the field of
adhesion and molding materials utilizing these
characteristics is very promising.
_50
...........................................................................................
CLARINO (man-made leather)
CLARINO is a man-made leather that
combines our in-depth knowledge of the
fine-grained structure of natural leather with
high functionality. It is used for school bags
and other kinds of bags, shoes, balls, gloves,
clothing, interior accessories, and more.
•
Dental materials
Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. applies
polymer -chemistry -based technology and
ceramic technology to develop a variety of
dental materials that make it possible to
restore teeth to a near -natural state. These
dental materials have a very good reputation
not only in Japan but throughout the world.
i � •
w
KURARAY COAL (activated carbon)
KURARAY COAL is an activated carbon for
which market demand is growing. It is used for
evaporated gasoline adsorbents, water
treatment technology, capacitor electrode
materials and other environmental and energy
applications. We are
able to meet
diversifying needs Is through the use of
adjustable porn sizes
and a variety of other
functions.
�; See the Products section on the Kuraray website for details. http://www.kuraray.com/products/
KURARAY GROUP CORPORATE SKETCH 04

Product Portfolio
Fibers• Textiles Business
KURALON & KURALON K-17 (PVA fiber) •
KURALON is a synthetic fiber based
on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with several
unique properties, including high
tenacity, low elongation at break, and
hydrophilicity. Itis widely used in various
industrial fieldss for applications that
include as a substitute for asbestos in
cement reinforcement and as a separator for alkaline manganese
batteries. KURALON K-ff is another PVA fiber made by new
production technologies. Water-soluble fibers with different dissolving
temperatures and high -tenacity fibers can be obtained.
KURAFLEX & FELIBEND Y (nonwoven fabrics)
KURAFLEX is dry -laid nonwoven fabric
with excellent absorbency, air permeability,
and flexibility. It is used for various +
> I
kinds of applications such as wipes,
masks and first-aid adhesive bandages.
FELIBENDY is a new type of nonwoven
fabric made using steam jet technology. J
It is used for medical bandages, shoji (translucent covering for sliding
paper doors), tatami mats and sound insulation panels.
Functional Materials, New Businesses,
and Others
VECSTAR (liquid crystalline polymer film)
A liquid crystalline polymer film
developed using Kuraray's proprietary
film forming technology. The film has
excellent high -frequency properties for
electronic devices. Now its main use is
for high-speed signal transmission
flexible printed circuit boards, but its
application is being expanded to
multilayer printed circuit boards.
MICROFADE (ballast water management system)
A system that uses a filter and active
substances for processing the ballast
water of ships and boats in order to
protect marine life. This system can be
applied to all manner of boats, has
less power consumption and has
superior performance stability for all
areas in the ocean.
................................................................
Micro -patterned film
VECTRAN (high-strength polyaryl
VECTRAN fiber has about 7 times the
tensile strength of steel by weight and
provides excellent abrasion, flex fatigue
and chemical resistance, among other
physical properties. It is used in a range
of applications including aerospace,
composites, electronic components,
ropes, and sports goods.
MAGIC TAPE (hook and loop fastener) .
MAGIC TAPE fastens firmly with only a
light press. It is used in a wide range of
fields, from clothing, shoes, bags, and
medical products to automotive parts
and other industrial materials. �+
Polyester
Applying proprietary polymers and
state-of-the-art technology, we have
been actively developing distinctive
polyester fibers. Our fibers are used in
clothing, industrial materials, nonwovens
and other fields.
ZECRUS (wastewater treatment system)
Using PVA -gel beads, Kuraray's
proprietary high -rate wastewater
treatment process allows for efficient
operation in a compact system. Unlike
conventional activated sludge, this
unique system yields almost no excess
organic sludge, resulting in reduced
operational costs.
- .......................... ...........-........................................ ..._........................
High-performance membrane module
Kuraray's high-performance membrane
modules are used for water treatment
in the industrial, water supply and
medical fields. The modules can be _
used for filtration in a wide range of
applications including production of
ultrapure, drinking and sterile water,
i
and their filtration efficiency helps to r:
space.
conserve
.........................................................................................................................................
A
■
.
ELPLASIA
(three-dimensional cell culture tools)
Micro -spaces on the surface of the
base plate allow cells to spontaneously
form a three-dimensional structure.
A light -shaping film made using metal stampers developed with Kuraray's proprietary precision molding technology
to stamp intricate micropatterns in UV -curable resin on the surface of clear plastic film. When the film is placed in
front of an LED, it refracts, reflects, scatters or diffracts the light, depending on the micropattern used. As a result,
a variety of effects can be achieved.
05 KURARAY GROUP CORPORATE SKETCH

Creative Technology Development—R&D in the Kuraray Group
The Kuraray Group has built a unique and advanced structure of
Today we face a number of global -scale challenges, including global
technologies based on polymer, synthetic chemistry and carbon
warming, finite natural resources, shortages of food and water, and
material chemistry, with technologies and expertise related to product
environmental pollution. At the Kuraray Group, we are committed to
formation and processing at its base. We bring together the Group's
becoming a "specialty chemical company with a global presence" and
knowledge and people and closely collaborate with external
offering effective solutions to these challenges through our unique
organizations to go beyond the materials field in offering the highly
technologies.
original products that the market demands.
in each plant
■ Kurashiki Research
Technology and
Synthesis Research
Center
Laboratory
Management
E&E Materials
VA -related Polymers
Technology and
Business
Research cry
Development
in each plant
Analytical Technology and
Functional Products
Solutions Laboratory
laminating solutions/vinyls business in 2014, our network outside Japan
Molding Component
Battery Materials
_ Business Department
Research Laboratory
our creative technologies to expand our businesses internationally,
'
-
under a policy of producing in the optimal location and marketing in the
■ Tsukuba Research
Polymer Materials
[Int,ellectual
Poperty
Center
Research Laboratory
eparlmenl
Polymer Processing
*■• Kuraray America, Inc. (U.S.A./6
Research Laboratory
Accelerating Our Global Strategy
domestic plants)
Film and Sheet Project Team
■ MonoSol, LLC (U.S.A.)
Advanced Optical Materials
The Kuraray Group strives for sustained growth by leveraging technical
• Kuraray South America Ltda. (Brazil)
R&D Group
innovation to accelerate the development of new products and
p p
■ Technology Development Center
,AIMChemical Process Technology
Development Group
Plastics and Compounds
Technology Development Group
■ R&D departments of each business Production technology management department
division/affiliate company ■ in each company
■ Kuraray Research and Technical Center (U.S.A.) Production technology development in each
business division
AW MW
Technology and
Maintenance Group
Technology and
■ Maintenance
Engineering Group
Management
E&E Materials
Department
Technology and
Business
maintenance department
Development
in each plant
■ R&D departments of each business Production technology management department
division/affiliate company ■ in each company
■ Kuraray Research and Technical Center (U.S.A.) Production technology development in each
business division
AW MW
Building a Global Network
Research and
■ Development
consolidated net sales
Division
In 1986, we began local production of EVAL at a joint venture in the
E&E Materials
Market and
Business Department
Business
Development
Department
Functional Products
Development Department
laminating solutions/vinyls business in 2014, our network outside Japan
Molding Component
_ Business Department
Building a Global Network
Overseas share of
consolidated net sales
In 1986, we began local production of EVAL at a joint venture in the
United States. Since then, we have expanded our local production and
sales around the world in order to respond to a growing global market.
■
As a result of activities such as our acquisition of DuPont's glass
laminating solutions/vinyls business in 2014, our network outside Japan
has grown to 76 locations in 27 countries and regions. We are leveraging
our creative technologies to expand our businesses internationally,
under a policy of producing in the optimal location and marketing in the
FY2000
FY2016
optimal location. We have also built our own global sales network, and
overseas sales now account for 63% of our net sales.
*■• Kuraray America, Inc. (U.S.A./6
• Kuraray China Co., Ltd. (China)
Accelerating Our Global Strategy
domestic plants)
0 Kuraray (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (China)
■ MonoSol, LLC (U.S.A.)
■ Kuraray Magictape (Shanghai) Go., Ltd. (China)
The Kuraray Group strives for sustained growth by leveraging technical
• Kuraray South America Ltda. (Brazil)
■ Kuraray Methacrylate (Zhang Jia Gang) Co., Ltd.
innovation to accelerate the development of new products and
p p
• Kuraray Mexico S. de. R.L. de C.V.
(Mexico)
(China)
■Kuraray Chemical (Ningxia) Environmental
applications and by expanding into growth markets and fields.
• Kuraray Argentina S.R.L. (Argentina)
Industry Co., Ltd. (China)
• Kuraray Chile S.p.A (Chile)
■ Hexin Kuraray Micro Fiber Leather (Jiaxing) Co.,
• Kuraray Colombia S.A.S (Colombia)
Ltd. (China)
■ Jiaxing Suede Micro Fiber Co., Ltd. (China)
Major overseas subsidiaries
®
0 Kuraray Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (China)
*■ Kuraray Europe GmbH (Germany/2
• Kuraray Hong Kong Co., Ltd. (China)
domestic plants)
• Kuraray Hexin Environmental Technology (Jlaxing)
■ EVAL Europe N.V. (Belgium)
Co., Ltd. (China)
■ MonoSol, LLC (UK)
*■ Kuraray Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (Singapore/)
■ 000 TROSIFOL (Russia)
domestic plant)
•
■ Kuraray Europe Moravia s.r.o. (Czech
■ Kuraray Korea Ltd. (South Korea)
•
■ ��
Republic)
• Kuraray India Private Limited (India)
�■ ■ •
• .
0 Kuraray Europe Nordic Ab Oy (Finland)
• Kuraray (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Thailand)
• ■ ■ ■
■ Y ti •
■ Kuraray Europe France S.A.R.L.
• KURARAY TRADING VIETNAM CO., LTD. (Vietnam)
•
•
(France)
• Kuraray Malaysia SDN BHD (Malaysia)
• • .
•
• Kuraray Europe Italia S.cl. (Italy)
• Kuraray Kimyasal Oriinler Sanayi Limited $irketi
•
• •
0 Kuraray Dental Benelux B.V. (The
(Turkey)
Netherlands)
• Kuraray Middle East FZE (United Arab Emirates)
■ Plantic Technologies Limited (Australia)
•
* Overseas subsidiaries with regional management/functions
■ • •
■Overseas subsidiaries with manufacturing
functions
• Overseas subsidiaries with sales and marketing functions
KURARAY GROUP CORPORATE SKETCH 06

KURARAY CO., LTD.
Tokyo Head Office
Kurashild Plant
ORe Center Building, 1-1.3, Otemochi, Chiyodo-ku, Tokyo 100-8115, Japan
7471, Tamashimootoshima, Kurashiki, Okayama 713.8550, Japan
TEL[phone] FAX[phone]
TEL[phone] FAX[phone]
Osaka Head Office
Salle Plant
Umeda Hankyu Building Office Tower, 8.1, Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530.8611, Japan
892, Tsuitachi, Saito, Eliame 793-8585, Japan
TEL[phone] FAX'[phone]
TEL+B1-897-56-1150 FAX[phone]
Kurashlki Research Center
Okayama Plant
2045.1, Sakazu, Kurashiki; Okayama 710-0801, Japan
1-2-1, Kaigan-don, Minami-ku, Okayama, 702-8601, Japan
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
TEL [phone] FAX[phone]
Tsukuba Research Center
Niigata Plant
41, Miyukigooka, Tsukuba, Iborold 305-0841; Japan
2-28, Kurashiki-cho, Tainoi, Niigata 959-2691, Japan
TEL[phone] FAX[phone]
TEL` +81-254-43.2521 FAX[phone]
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
Kashima Plant
36, Towado, Kamisu, lbaraki 314-0197, Japan
Kurarayliving Co., Ltd.
TEL[phone] FAX[phone]
Tsurum) Plant
4342, Tsurumi, Biffen; Okayama 705.0025, Japan
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
Affiliates/Subsidiaries (24 in Japan, 46 outside Japan)
In Japan
Outside Japan
Kuraray Trading Co., Ltd.
Kuraray America, Inc. (subsidiary in U.S.A.)
Umeda Hankyu Building Office Tower, 8-1, Kokudocho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530.8611, Japan
2625 Bay Area Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77058, U.S.A.
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
TEL[phone] FAX[phone]
Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.
Kuraray Europe GmbH (subsidiary in Germany)
Ote Center Building, 1-1-3, Otemochi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
Philipp-Reis-Str & 4 D-65795 Hattersheim am Main, Germany
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
TEL +A9-69-305-85300 FAX [phone]
Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.
Kuraray Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (subsidiary in Singapore)
Umeda Hankyu Building Office Tower, 8.1, Kokudacho, K#a-ku, Osaka 530.8611, Japan
10 Sakur Avenue, Singapore 627887
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
TEL[phone] FAX [phone]
Kuraray Engineering Co., Ltd.
Kuraray China Co., Ltd. (subsidiary In China)
Umeda Hankyu Building Office Tower, 8-1, Kakudacho, lata-im, Osaka 530-8611, Japan
Unit 2207, 2 Grand Gateway, 3 Hongqiao Road, Xuhui District,
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
Shanghai 200030, China
TEL[phone] FAX[phone]
Kurarayliving Co., Ltd.
Umeda Honkyu Building Office Tower; 81, Kokudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8611, Japan
Kuraray India Private Limited (subsidiary in India)
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
Unit No. 16; 17 & 18, Southern Park, D-2, District Centre, Saket,
New Delhi- 110017, India
Kuraray Techno Co., Ltd.
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
Umeda Hankyu Building Office Tower, 8-1, Kakudacho; Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8611, Japan
Kuraray South America Lt do. (subsidiary in Brazil)
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
Av. Poulista, 1636 - Condominio Paulista Corporate,
Kuraray Kuraf lex Co., Ltd.
Sala 405 = CEP 01310-200 - Bela Vista - Sao Paulo - SP - Brasil
Umeda Hankyu Building Office Tower, 8-1,-Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8611, Japan
TEL[phone]. FAX [phone]
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
Kuraray Fastening Co., Ltd.
Umeda Hankyu Building Office Tower, 8-1; Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8611, Japan
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
Official website
----http://w ww.kuraray.com/
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