Kuraray decided that its US subsidiary Calgon Carbon Corporation to acquire the industrial reactivated carbon business from Sprint Environmental Services.

In 2018, Kuraray acquired Calgon Carbon, the world's largest activated carbon manufacturer, and now has a wide range of activated carbon offerings, such as bituminous coal-based, wood-based, coconut-based, and reactivation services. As a total solution provider in water and air purification, we are expanding our activated carbon business, which contributes to improving the natural and living environment.

In the activated carbon business, significant growth is expected in industrial reactivated carbon market in the U.S. To maintain or expand our market share, production capacity increase is essential.

Currently, Calgon Carbon's industrial reactivated carbon production facilities are concentrated in the eastern U.S, but with this acquisition, we will be able to acquire an important strategic base in the Gulf of Mexico region which can also cover the Midwest region.

After the acquisition, we are looking to expand reactivated carbon facilities not only for industrial applications, but also for drinking water at various sites including this one. Significant growth in demand is expected due to tightening of PFAS regulation in the U.S. and Calgon Carbon is studying significant capacity increases as well as pursuing contractual commitments with important customers.