EVAL™, EVOH resin is a functional resin regarded as one that contains the highest quantity of gas barrier properties. EVOH, or Ethylene vinyl alcohol, is a formal copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol that Kuraray Co., Ltd, a Japanese plastic maker, developed and put up on the market in 1972 and became the pioneer in the industry.
This resin brand has become a household name for various food packaging applications due to its contribution to minimizing food loss. Due to its gas-blocking properties, most especially oxygen, it prevents food from deterioration.
Kuraray Co., Ltd Investing on EVAL™, EVOH Resin in Singapore
Kuraray EVOH Resin – Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (Photo credits: https://sashang.en.made-in-china.com/)
Early this year, Kuraray pushed through with its plan to invest in EVAL™, EVOH resin production plant in Singapore. It targets to produce 18,000 tons of EVOH resin per year. The construction of the front-end process will have the capacity to produce 36,000 a year, with every intention of expanding in the future. The scheduled operation will start by the end of 2026.
The initiative was in response to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging materials. The total investment value sits at US $410 million, which highlights the company’s objective of becoming the leader of functional, high-barrier resin that champions environmental sustainability.
Through this endeavor, the resin manufacturer targets remaining at the forefront in terms of packaging industry technological advancements by meeting its needs. In addition, this appears to solidify its position as one of the key players in barrier materials production, thereby unrelenting in keeping its legacy of environmental stewardship and innovation.
What We Know About Kuraray Co., Ltd
The mother company, Kuraray Co., Ltd., was established on June 24, 1926, and its headquarters is in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Its businesses focus on resins, chemicals, fibers, activated carbons, high-performance systems and membranes used for water treatment, among others. As of the end of 2023, its capital was around JP¥89 billion or US$582.86 million.
Originally named POVAL ASIA PTE LTD back in 1996, its subsidiary, Kuraray Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., was established on July 1, 2008, with a head office at 10 Sakra Ave., Jurong Island, Singapore, and a capital investment of US$27,775,000. Its purpose is to oversee Kuraray Group’s operations in the Asia Pacific region while conducting business activities of its own, particularly manufacturing and selling of KURARAY POVAL or polyvinyl alcohol resin.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Kuraray Co., Ltd. spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony on August 6 on the actual site for Singapore EVOH Resin Production plant. A handful of the company’s executives and employees were in attendance, namely:
- Fumio Uegaki – Kuraray Asia Pacific President
- Hiroyuki Shimo – Executive Officer and EVAL Division Manager
- Yoshiki Miyagi – General Manager of the Technology Division
EVOH Resin Production Plant Project Groundbreaking Ceremony (Photo credits: https://aei.dempa.net/archives/30031)
The company has been constantly seeking to enhance its business portfolio worldwide. It is currently concentrating on EVOH resins as it delves into expansion in some parts of the world, hence the construction of the Sakra Ave. plant. Kuraray expects demand for this resin from the United States and Europe to increase.
Wood To Handle EPC EVAL™, EVOH Resin Production Plant
John Wood Group PLC, or simply Wood, was awarded the engineering design contract for this Jurong Island plant. This comes after Wood successfully completed the front-end engineering and design or FEED study phase of the project.
The consulting and engineering company is also tasked with modifying the existing polyvinyl alcohol plant nearby. This will enable Kuraray Co., Ltd to organize its production and recovery of acetic acid, a crucial component of the new plant that Wood will be building.
According to Wood’s Process & Chemicals President, the company is ecstatic to have been awarded the contract. This means they have the opportunity to support food waste reduction and, at the same time, prolong the life of sustainable materials. This way, these sustainable plastics are used longer, which can also mean reducing waste that can impact the environment.
Factsheet
Owner/Operator: Kuraray Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Project Name: Kuraray Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. EVAL™ EVOH Resin Plant (Singapore Subsidiary)
Project Type: Sustainable Packaging Production Plant Construction
Location: 10 Sakra Ave., Jurong Island, Singapore 627887
Contractor (EPC): John Wood Group PLC (Wood)
Value: US$410 million
Construction Start: August 6, 2024
Expected Start of Operation: End of 2026
