PARAPET™ (methacrylic resin molding material)

PARAPET™ is a material made of methacrylic resin, which is sometimes called the “queen of plastics” in Japan. Methacrylic resin was first manufactured in Western countries in the 1940s. Kuraray started development in 1971, and has been producing it at its own plant since 1973.

Because of its characteristics, which include high transparency, weatherability, surface gloss and scratch resistance, methacrylic resin is used in automotive parts (tail light covers, door visors, meter covers) and in various other applications, such as optical components, light electrical appliances and sundries. In recent years, demand has grown rapidly in the field of optical components, particularly in light guide plates for LCD backlights. Kuraray was among the first to supply high-quality materials to the light guide plate market by drawing on the optical technologies (materials and processing technologies) it cultivated in sales of laser disc products and materials, and has proposed superior processing methods.

PARAPET™ SA is a soft methacrylic resin (soft acrylic resin) created from Kuraray’s polymer technology. It has attracted attention as a non-PVC material that offers superior safety and eliminates concerns about bleed-out because it does not use plasticizers. Since the base is an acrylic resin, it has the transparency and weatherability of acrylics. It also features good compatibility with other polar polymers and exhibits high moldability.

PARAPET™ GR-F is a brand Kuraray developed as a raw material for acrylic film. As it has the excellent weatherability of acrylic resins, it is used as protective film in building materials, particularly exterior walls and window frames, and in reflective film on road signs.