Kuraray still planning liquid rubber facility for US

Tokyo – Kuraray has reiterated plans to build a new liquid rubber plant in the US, the Japanese group said in its annual report for 2026 – issued on 29 May.

The plan forms part of Kuraray’s strategy to develop its Isoprene business segment, which manufactures isoprene chemical products as well as thermoplastic elastomers and polyamides.

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

Back in 2022, Kuraray reported plans to build a new plant for liquid rubber in the US as part of its Yen380-billion ‘Passion 2026’ capex programme, over a cumulative five-year period.

Kuraray’s US operations include an existing plant for the production of styrenic thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in Pasadena, Texas.

Kuraray’s 2026 report also cited plans to “strengthen global supply framework” for TPEs and “expand sales of products that are high-value-added and made from sustainable raw materials.”