09.03.21
Osaka, Japan
www.kuraray.co.jp
2020 Nonwovens Sales: $97 million
Key Personnel
Shinzi Matsuo, president, Kuraray Kuraflex
Plants
Okayama and Saijo, Japan
Processes
Chemical bonded, spunlaced, meltblown, steam jet
Brand names
Kuraflex, Microflex, Felibendy, Vecrus
Kuraray Kuraflex, a subsidiary of Kuraray, makes spunlaced nonwovens, chemical bonded nonwovens with a capacity of 10,500 tons per year as well as steam jet nonwovens with a capacity of 2700 tons per year and 2700 tons of meltblown per year.
In 2020, Kuraray increased its exposure to the face mask market but other areas decreased, particularly the use of its counter cloth wipes for makeup removal and car cleaning. The business was also impacted by restaurant closures and lower sales of away from home products.
In investment news, Kuraray has increased production of its meltblown nonwovens from 1800 to 2700 tons per year. This decision was made before the Coronavirus pandemic, but was well placed as meltblown shortages were widespread in 2020.
Kuraray’s counter cloth wipes material received international forest certification system (FSC) certification in September 2020. The company was recognized for its use of rayon.
www.kuraray.co.jp
2020 Nonwovens Sales: $97 million
Key Personnel
Shinzi Matsuo, president, Kuraray Kuraflex
Plants
Okayama and Saijo, Japan
Processes
Chemical bonded, spunlaced, meltblown, steam jet
Brand names
Kuraflex, Microflex, Felibendy, Vecrus
Kuraray Kuraflex, a subsidiary of Kuraray, makes spunlaced nonwovens, chemical bonded nonwovens with a capacity of 10,500 tons per year as well as steam jet nonwovens with a capacity of 2700 tons per year and 2700 tons of meltblown per year.
In 2020, Kuraray increased its exposure to the face mask market but other areas decreased, particularly the use of its counter cloth wipes for makeup removal and car cleaning. The business was also impacted by restaurant closures and lower sales of away from home products.
In investment news, Kuraray has increased production of its meltblown nonwovens from 1800 to 2700 tons per year. This decision was made before the Coronavirus pandemic, but was well placed as meltblown shortages were widespread in 2020.
Kuraray’s counter cloth wipes material received international forest certification system (FSC) certification in September 2020. The company was recognized for its use of rayon.