Kuraray's isoprene unit sees 41% decline in profits

Tokyo - Kuraray’s Isoprene business shrank in the year 2019, due in part to economic downturn, the company announced 13 Feb.

The unit, which includes styrenic-based thermoplastic rubbers Septon, reported a 41.8% year-on-year decline in operating income to Yen4,232 million (€35 million) on 6.9% lower sales of Yen53,276 million.

The sales volume of Septon TPEs declined due to economic deceleration, said Kuraray, without giving further details. 

Kuraray’s isoprene unit also includes Genestar-branded polyamide engineering plastic, which also saw sluggish demand for electric and electronic devices during the period.