ABOUT
Kraton develops, manufactures, and markets specialty polymer and biobased chemicals that deliver exceptional value with innovative and sustainable solutions that differentiate our customer’s products and enhance lives worldwide through a diverse range of end-use markets.
Explore Kraton
OUR HISTORY
OUR VISION
CORE VALUES
800+
Customers
70
Countries
1,800+
Employees
Our History
Invented The First Commercially Viable SBC
The Elastomers Division of Shell (now Kraton) developed the first commercially viable styrenic block copolymers (SBC) in 1955. These thermoplastic elastomers were named “Kraton” after Kratos, the Greek god of strength, for their unique strength properties.
First Commercial Launch
In 1964, Kraton™ D polymers were formulated in leisure shoes, making it the first commercial launch for SBC. They enabled the footwear industry to reduce system costs while improving wet shoe traction.
Kraton™ G polymers are developed and patented, offering elasticity, and flexibility with enhanced oxidation, UV and thermal stability.
First Dedicated Copolymers Plant in Belpre, Ohio
First dedicated block copolymer plant was constructed in 1971 in Belpre, Ohio.
Several Kraton D polymer grades from Belpre’s new K-1 plant were commercialized.
New hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive technology featuring SIS Kraton D polymers was launched.
Kraton D Polymers Globally Accepted as Preferred Bitumen for Roofing
Kraton D polymer accepted globally as the preferred bitumen modifier for roofing products.
Kraton D polymer is added to bitumen used in roads, improving durability, rutting and low-temperature cracking resistance.
Kraton G compounds are used in elastic components of disposable diapers to provide comfort, stretch, and fit.
Kraton SBCs Most Widely Used in Soft Touch Overmolding
Kraton SBC became the most widely used thermoplastic elastomers in soft touch overmolding market due to its wide hardness range, ease of colorability, good UV stability, and low polarity.
Increased market saturation in SBS-modified asphalt, packaging, polystyrene modification, and medical applications.
Became Publicly Traded On New York Stock Exchange
Kraton completed IPO on December 17, 2009, and became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol KRA.
Acquired Arizona Chemical
Arizona Chemical, a global specialty chemicals company, and the largest global pine chemical provider was acquired in 2016.
Company changed its name from Kraton Performance Polymers to Kraton Corporation in 2016.
New Innovation Center in Belpre opened in 2014 with a semi-works manufacturing facility, and a HSBC plant in Mailiao, Taiwan opened in 2017.
Kraton Becomes Part of DL Chemical
Kraton became part of DL Chemical on March 15, 2022. DL Chemical provides the financial strength and the growth-oriented focus that will allow Kraton to further invest in innovation and compete more effectively in the global market.
OUR VISION
World Leader
To be a world leading specialty polymer and biobased chemical solutions supplier, delivering sustainable growth by leveraging our innovation and diverse culture.
Unique Chemistry
Innovative Solutions
We remain dedicated to delivering compelling and innovative solutions that meet our customer’s needs, drive value for our shareholders, and enrich the lives of our employees – all of which are essential to our company’s continued growth.
Core Values
At Kraton, our core values are the pillars that drive us to make a Positive Difference in the world and remain the standard for how we operate. By living out these six principles, we create sustainable products and solutions that produce exceptional value for our customers and, in turn, for our society.
