About

Kraton, a sustainable chemical manufacturer, innovates, produces, 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: Picture of the Kisimie, Japan manufacturing plant
Our History
Out Vision: A person holding a small pine tree sapling in their hands
Our Vision
Our Values: Visual representation of Kraton's core values
Core Values
Fast Facts

800+

Customers

70

Countries

1,800+

Employees

Our History

  • A black and white aerial photo of the Shell Elastomers Division in the 1950s
    1950s
    Invented the First Commercially Viable Styrenic Block Copolymer (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.
  • A woman steps into a puddle with polymer-enhanced footwear with improved wet shoe traction.
    1960s
    First Commercial Launch of Polymer Product Families
    In 1964, Kraton™ D polymers were formulated for use in leisure shoes as the first-ever commercial launch for SBC. The SBC enabled the footwear industry to reduce system costs while improving wet shoe traction.
  • Aerial view of Kraton's Belpre, Ohio manufacturing plant, the first dedicated copolymer plant ever opened.
    1970s
    The First Dedicated Copolymer Plant Opened in Belpre, Ohio
    The success of Kraton D polymers led to the opening of the first dedicated block copolymer plant in 1971 in Belpre, Ohio.

    Kraton G polymers were developed and patented, offering elasticity and flexibility with enhanced oxidation, UV, and thermal stability.
  • Roofing shingles made with Kraton D bitumen modifier
    1980s
    Kraton Polymers Are Introduced Into New Markets
    Kraton D polymers became the globally accepted bitumen modifier for roofing and were first introduced as a bitumen modifier in roads, improving durability, rutting, and cracking resistance.

    Kraton G polymers were introduced for use in elastic components of disposable diapers to provide comfort, stretch, and fit.
  • The interior of a car with soft-touch parts that utilize Kraton SBCs for thermoplastic elastomers and over-molding.
    1990s
    Kraton SBCs Became the Most Widely Used in Soft Touch Over-Molding
    Kraton SBC became the most widely used thermoplastic elastomers in the soft touch over-molding market due to its wide hardness range, ease of colorability, good UV stability, and low polarity.

    Kraton expanded in markets such as SBS-modified asphalt, packaging, polystyrene modification, and medical applications.
  • Kraton D polymers in the hand of a research and development scientist.
    2000 – 2006
    Shell Divests in Kraton, Company Officially Becomes Kraton Polymers LLC
    Shell completed the sale of Kraton to a private investment firm as part of their divestment program.

    Kraton launched the ERS and Kraton A polymer product lines.
  • A person wears thin, latex gloves over their hands.
    2008
    IR and IR Latex Launched as Cariflex™
    The solid IR and IR latex products were established under the Cariflex brand name, which initiated significant growth in the surgical glove market.
  • Image of stocks trending up.
    2009
    Kraton Became Publicly Traded
    Kraton completed its IPO on December 16, 2009, and became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol KRA.
  • Large pavement rollers on freshly poured Highly Modified Asphalt (HiMA)
    2010
    HiMA™ Paving Technology Adopted
    New SBS grades were developed, and the foundation for Highly Modified Asphalt (HiMA) technology was established.
  • Aerial image of Kraton's Belpre, Ohio manufacturing plant and innovation center.
    2014
    Innovation Center Opened in Belpre, Ohio
    A new Innovation Center in Belpre, OH, opened in 2014 with a semi-works manufacturing facility.
  • Close up of pine needles and fresh pine cones.
    2016
    Kraton Acquired Arizona Chemical
    Arizona Chemical, a global specialty chemicals company and the largest global provider in the pine chemicals industry was acquired in 2016.
  • Kraton's joint venture plan in Mailiao, Taiwan. Image features a variety of material transportation pipes and material production tanks.
    2017 – 2019
    Formosa Joint Venture Mailiao, Taiwan
    The HSBC plant in Mailiao, Taiwan, opened in 2017, offering higher production capacity of our differentiated HSBC grades and serving our growing Asian markets.
  • A doctor or nurse puts on white latex gloves.
    2020
    Cariflex Divestiture & Business Expansion
    Kraton completed the sale of Cariflex business to DL Chemical in 2020.

    Expanded Asia Pine Chemical footprint with dispersion tolling.

    CirKular+ product line for plastics upcycling and the circular economy is launched.

    Ellamera is launched, enabling formulators to transform oil-based ingredients into cosmetics.

    REvolution rosin ester technology launched, enabling products w/ improved color & stability.
  • Pine branches and bottled pine resins
    2021
    Biobased Solutions are Expanded
    SYLVASOLV Oils is launched, a 100% biobased solution offering high performance and sustainability benefits for various markets.

    SYLVATRAXX 8000 is launched, a Tread Enhancement Additive series designed to optimize wet traction and rolling resistance in tires.
  • The DL Chemical logo
    2022
    Kraton Acquisition by DL Chemical
    Kraton became part of DL Chemical in March 2022, becoming a private company. The merger enabled Kraton to further invest in innovation and compete more effectively in the global market.
  • The Kraton board of directors cuts a ribbon in front of the Kraton logo at the new Kraton headquarters office in The Woodlands, Texas.
    2023
    Kraton Headquarters Move to The Woodlands, TX
    Kraton relocated its headquarters to The Woodlands® Towers at The Waterway, a state-of-the-art LEED-certified facility located in The Woodlands, Texas.

We create innovative solutions for a sustainable tomorrow.

Discover Kraton’s innovative spirit and forward-thinking R&D approach.
Learn More

Our Vision

We Create Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Our vision fuels our aspiration to be an industry leader in the specialty sustainable chemical manufacturing industry, just as it has for over 65 years. Through our unique chemistry and commitment to sustainable innovation, we address market needs, including the increasing demand for higher performance, differentiation, and addressing environmental concerns.

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.

Safety & Integrity

We are committed to safe & ethical behavior.

Creativity

We innovate in everything we do.

Courage

We boldly face challenges & take initiative.

Ownership

We own our actions and pursue excellence.

Teamwork

We collaborate with respect & unity.

Agility

We adapt to challenges swiftly.