Sustainability is not a novel idea in the chemical business at all. The Responsible Care^® initiative, launched in 1985 by the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada and globally adopted by 2006, was designed to address increasing regulatory demands and growing public concern over environmental and health issues in the chemical industry. The focus was improving these issues and security performance at all stages of chemical production, promoting a safety culture, managing risk, and maintaining sustainability within the industry. For many decades, their steadfast commitment to sustainability has remained unwavering. So what has changed? When it comes to solving social problems like plastic waste management and climate change, the chemical industry is crucial. Chemical companies face tremendous pressure to promote creative and sustainable solutions within their client sectors in addition to strengthening their own brand. Innovative materials and techniques have made advances possible in a variety of areas, including inexpensive housing, renewable energy, and agriculture enhancements.

A strategic shift is necessary to take full advantage of the emerging market potential. Instead of a purely reactive, compliance-focused approach, businesses must prioritize sustained value creation and capture. Kraton Corporation is a prime example of this evolution. As a leader in developing, manufacturing, and distributing specialty polymers and biobased chemicals, Kraton is committed to delivering exceptional value while improving. Through innovation, Kraton offers a competitive edge using outstanding product creation, unmatched technical support, environmentally responsible solutions, and unwavering quality.

In conversation with Marcello Boldrini, CEO of Kraton Corporation

Q. What is the history around Kraton?

Kraton was founded with the vision of pioneering innovation and excellence in the field of polymer science, building on the 1950s legacy of Shell Chemical Company’s groundbreaking work in developing the first commercially viable thermoplastic elastomer. Shell’s legacy of innovation was leveraged into a specialized entity focusing on further development of this elastomer material, which combined the processing capabilities of plastics with the flexibility of rubbers, expanding its applications across various industries from medical supplies to adhesives.

As an independent company, Kraton gained the ability to make strategic decisions swiftly and capitalize on growth opportunities. In 2016, Kraton further enhanced its portfolio by acquiring Arizona Chemicals, a leader in pine-based specialty chemicals committed to sustainability. The acquisition of Arizona Chemicals by Kraton is in line with Kraton’s commitment to sustainability. Arizona Chemicals produces bio-renewable products using by-products from the paper pulping process.

Our strategy and vision are to create innovative solutions for a sustainable tomorrow, and we seamlessly integrate these into every aspect of our business. Kraton is committed to promoting the use of biobased and circular economies by providing innovative solutions to help customers reduce the use of fossil-based materials, increase the use of recycled or renewable resources, lower carbon emissions, and improve product performance and durability.

Q. What is the motivation behind manufacturing environmentally sustainable products?

At Kraton, we believe that creating sustainable products is important in helping customers meet the increasing demand for environmentally friendly options. This commitment helps reduce environmental impact and ensures compliance with stringent global regulations, addressing both environmental concerns and consumer expectations. Emphasizing sustainability not only boosts Kraton’s corporate reputation but also strengthens community relations and customer loyalty by appealing to socially conscious consumers and progressive investors. This reinforces Kraton’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its role in promoting a healthier planet.

Kraton is a leader in the chemical industry because we focus on environmentally responsible products that help customers adapt to changes in the economy and the environment.

Q. How has the company grown over time?

Kraton has experienced substantial growth since its inception, driven by a pursuit of innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability. From our pioneering work as the world’s first inventor of commercially viable styrene block copolymers to our current role as a global leader in producing specialty polymers and biobased chemicals with decades of experience, we have consistently expanded our product portfolio and market reach.

Today, approximately 50% of our products are derived from natural, sustainable sources, further highlighting our unwavering commitment to reducing reliance on finite resources and minimizing our impact on the environment. Our ongoing investments in research and development help us stay ahead of advanced, sustainable technologies and improve performance and efficiency in different applications.

Q. Can you share some recent innovations that highlight your commitment to sustainability?

Kraton’s commitment to sustainability is exemplified by its innovations like CirKular+^™ and ReVolution^™ technology. CirKular+^™ elevates the performance of recycled materials, expanding their applications and improving the quality of recycled plastics, while also enabling recyclable design at the end of life.

ReVolution^™ technology marks a significant step forward in environmental sustainability with highly efficient, biobased products that meet stringent environmental and performance standards while offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based products. This innovative approach underscores Kraton’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing sustainable solutions within the industry.

These initiatives highlight Kraton’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the chemical industry, promoting resource efficiency, and developing sustainable solutions to help customers integrate their products and processes into the biobased and circular economies.

Q. How does Kraton ensure that its products stand out in a competitive market? What role does your unique chemistry play in this differentiation?

Kraton’s unique chemistry ensures that our high-performance materials stand out in the market, providing enhanced flexibility, durability, and compatibility with various materials. Our global footprint allows us to serve diverse markets and regions, providing tailored solutions worldwide. Our focus on sustainability, through initiatives like CirKular+ and ReVolution technology, sets Kraton apart by meeting the growing demand for better performing and sustainable solutions. By collaborating with customers and combining innovative chemistry with sustainability, Kraton exceeds customer expectations and is a leader in the market.

Q. Kraton utilizes cradle-to-gate life cycle assessments (LCAs). Can you explain how LCAs influence your product development and overall sustainability strategy?

LCA’s allow us to make informed decisions and identify if optimizing the production process or raw materials could improve the product’s environmental footprint. LCAs are essential to foster closer engagement with suppliers, supply chain partners, and customers around key products and move towards improved sustainability in the value chain and society overall.

Q. How does Kraton collaborate with its customers to develop solutions that meet their specific needs and enhance the sustainability of their products?

Dedicated to advancing its customers’ sustainability goals, Kraton adopts a customer-centric approach that offers collaboration, biobased solutions, and, where applicable, comprehensive Life Cycle Analyses (LCA). These analyses assess a product’s environmental impacts from production to disposal, ensuring that our customers’ needs are met and that we remain at the forefront of sustainable innovation. Cradle-to-gate LCA on key product lines is crucial as it provides detailed insights into the environmental impacts of the products, including factors like greenhouse gas emissions. This thorough understanding allows Kraton to continually refine its processes and products, ensuring they not only meet but exceed the sustainability expectations of their customers and regulatory requirements. Through these collaborative and informed efforts, Kraton enhances the sustainability of its products while supporting its customers in achieving their environmental and performance goals.

Q. What steps is Kraton taking to achieve operational excellence, and how does this contribute to your overall business growth and sustainability goals?

Kraton is dedicated to operational excellence through strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency and sustainability. We optimize our manufacturing processes to reduce waste and costs, utilizing technology and lean manufacturing principles. Our continuous improvement programs promote innovation and problem-solving, ensuring our operations adapt to market and regulatory changes.

Additionally, we focus on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, integrating sustainable energy sources, and improving operational efficiency. These efforts minimize our environmental impact, thereby boosting our competitiveness and helping our customers meet their sustainability objectives.

Overall, our pursuit of operational excellence directly supports Kraton’s business growth and sustainability goals. This also positions us as a leader in the chemical industry committed to environmental and economic stewardship.

Q. How does Kraton ensure the well-being and safety of its employees, and what initiatives are in place to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace?

At Kraton, safety is a core value and paramount above all else. We are committed to ensuring our employees, contractors, and visitors’ well-being and safety by fostering a work environment where safety consciousness is embedded in our culture. Every employee is empowered with the right to refuse unsafe work, emphasizing that their safety takes precedence.

To maintain this high safety standard, we have implemented numerous initiatives and comprehensive training programs designed to educate and protect our workforce. These include regular safety drills, up-to-date equipment training, safety protocols, and implementing best practices.

Beyond safety, Kraton believes a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential to our success. We actively promote diversity through recruitment, development programs, and inclusion initiatives that encourage a broad range of perspectives and foster an environment where all employees feel valued and included. These efforts not only enhance our team’s collaboration and innovation but also reflect our commitment to reflecting the diverse communities we serve.

Q. How has your amazing team contributed to the success of Kraton Corporation?

The dedication and expertise of our employees are the key drivers of Kraton’s success. Their diverse skills and innovative thinking enhance our adaptability and efficiency, directly contributing to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Employees uphold high standards in production and service and actively engage in and lead sustainability and community initiatives, reinforcing Kraton’s reputation as a responsible and ethical leader in the chemical industry. Their collective efforts are crucial to Kraton’s continued success and industry leadership.

Meet the CEO

Marcello Boldrini is the CEO of Kraton Corporation. Boldrini brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as the CEO of Kraton Corporation. With a distinguished career in the chemical industry, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the business landscape.

Before assuming his current position, Boldrini served as the CEO of the Pine Chemicals business; before that, he served as Senior Vice President and President of Kraton Pine Chemicals starting in April 2017. In this capacity, he successfully led and directed Kraton’s Pine Chemical business, overseeing the operations of Pine Adhesives and Chemical Intermediates. His strategic vision and industry knowledge have driven growth and achieved outstanding organizational results.

Before joining Kraton, Boldrini held senior-level roles at renowned companies such as Houghton International, Hexion/Momentive, Ashland, Quaker Chemical, and Unilever/Unichema. His diverse experiences in senior positions and international joint venture boards have provided invaluable insights and a global perspective on the chemical industry.

Boldrini holds a Master’s in Chemistry from the University of Milan, Italy, and an MBA from Bocconi University, Milan. His educational background combines technical expertise and strong business acumen.

“Kraton’s unique chemistry ensures that our high-performance materials stand out in the market, providing enhanced flexibility, durability, and compatibility with various materials.”

“Today, approximately 50% of our products are derived from natural, sustainable sources, further highlighting our unwavering commitment to reducing reliance on fossil based resources and minimizing our impact on the environment.”