Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. (NYSE:KRA) is the ultimate parent of Kraton Polymers LLC and a global family of companies (together “Kraton”) that is a leading global producer of engineered polymers and one of the world’s largest producers of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by the company almost half a century ago. Kraton’s products are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving, roofing and footwear products. The company offers approximately 800 products to more than 700 customers in more than 60 countries worldwide. Its production facilities are located in the United States, Germany, France, Brazil and Japan.

Kraton Polymers offers customers a broad portfolio of products that includes approximately 200 core commercial grades of SBCs. The products can be processed in a variety of manufacturing applications, including injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, extrusion, hot melt and solution applied coatings.

Kraton Polymers Business Units

Adhesives, Sealants and Coatings
Adhesives, Sealants and Coatings polymers are used in a number of demanding applications such as: adhesives for diapers and hygiene products; sealants for construction and automotive applications; and adhesives for tapes and labels. Our coatings polymers have expanded into the high growth market of elastomeric white roof coatings. The coating provides not only weather resistance, but improved energy efficiency reducing solar absorption on bitumen based industrial roofs.

Advanced Materials
Advanced Materials polymers and compounds from Kraton are used in a range of diverse applications, many of which require customized formulations, product testing with long lead time approvals, and production evaluations for specific end-use customers and applications. Kraton’s advanced materials are being called upon increasingly as environmentally friendly substitutes for polyvinyl chloride and polycarbonate materials in medical applications, as well as for wire and cable, baby care and electronics products.

Paving and Roofing
Asphalt materials modified with Kraton polymers are more elastic and durable, and are particularly suited for applications where high performance is required, such as highways, intersections, airports and roofing structures in regions with hot and cold climates. Our portfolio of innovative polymers offers superior fatigue- and crack-resistant road systems that lower upfront costs, reduce maintenance needs, and are environmentally friendly by using fewer raw materials.

Emerging Markets
These include isoprene rubber (IR) latex materials as hypoallergenic alternatives to natural rubber latex materials. IR Latex is durable, tear resistant, soft, transparent and odorless, and used primarily for surgical gloves and condoms. In 2009, Kraton introduced its NEXAR™ family of polymers for moisture control in applications such as athletic apparel, tents, sleeping bags, military uniforms and biochemical garments, as well as water purification and industrial separation processes.