Japan’s Kuraray has announced plans to boost production capacity for its EVAL branded ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) resin with a new facility in Singapore. The company plans to put up the new plant inside Kuraray Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. in Jurong Island. The proposed plant aims to have an annual production capacity of 18,000 tons, which is likely to begin operations by the end of 2026.
The front-end process will have a capacity of 36,000 tons per year with possible future expansion. In addition, the back-end process will have two phases, with the first phase being implemented at this time. The approximate investment amount is around $410-mn.
The new facility planned in Singapore will be able to meet the growing demand in the Asian market. Moreover, it will also strengthen the global supply chain. In addition, this will also enhance Kuraray’s technical service in the region.
As soon as the planned Singapore plant starts operations in 2026, the company expects to have a combined total annual production of 131,000 tons. The company’s other EVAL sites are located in Japan, Antwerp (Belgium), and Houston (US). The company also has expansion plans ongoing in Europe and Americas.
According to Kuraray, EVAL resin was developed by the company and commercialised in 1972 and is a functional resin with the highest level of gas barrier properties. It is widely used in food packaging ap plications because it blocks gases such as oxygen and prevents food deterioration and contributes to the reduction of food loss. In addition, its applications also include industrial fields such as vacuum insulation panels, under-floor heating pipes, and automotives.
Demand for EVAL resin has been increasing because its barrier material does not disrupt the recycling streams of polyolefins. The company expects demand to increase further globally, particularly in Europe and the US.
