Kaneka (Thailand) Co., Ltd., headquartered in Bangkok, is the Thai subsidiary of Kaneka Corporation Japan—a globally renowned materials manufacturer with diversified operations spanning chemicals, food, medical devices, and advanced materials. The Thai operations focus on regional manufacturing and export of expandable plastics, functional resins, food ingredients, and specialized medical devices for Southeast Asian and global markets.
Company Overview
Kaneka (Thailand) Co., Ltd. plays a vital role in Kaneka Group’s global network, serving as both a manufacturing hub and a distribution center for ASEAN countries. The company operates modern production facilities in Thailand’s industrial zones, including Rayong and Chonburi, leveraging proximity to seaports and integrated logistics. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Kaneka Thailand drives adoption of environmentally friendly materials and food-grade functional ingredients.
Core Business Areas
1. Expandable Plastics (Foamed Products)
- Eperan™: Expanded Polyolefin Foam with superior energy absorption and lightweight performance, used in automotive bumpers, protective packaging, and sports equipment.
- Eperan™-PP: Polypropylene-based foam offering recyclability, chemical resistance, and thermal durability.
These products are exported to automotive OEMs, packaging integrators, and electronics manufacturers across Asia-Pacific and Europe.
2. Functional Plastics and Advanced Materials
- Polyimide Films: High-temperature resistant films used in flexible printed circuits, insulation, and aerospace applications.
- Biomass-Based Plastics: A growing category in Kaneka’s sustainable material offerings, contributing to CO₂ emission reduction initiatives.
3. Food Ingredients
- Processed Oils: Functional oils used in margarine, bakery fats, and confectionery coating products.
- Bakery Ingredients: Tailored blends for bread softness, texture retention, and shelf-life improvement.
These ingredients are supplied to major food processors, bakery chains, and industrial confectioners throughout Thailand and neighboring countries.
4. Medical Devices
- Incubation Devices: Compact medical equipment used in diagnostic labs and healthcare facilities.
- Products are produced or supported via Kaneka Medical’s global network and tailored for the regional Southeast Asian healthcare market.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Diversified Manufacturing Base: Multi-sector capabilities from chemicals to food and healthcare.
- Eco-Focused Innovation: Promotes recyclable, biomass-based and low-emission materials aligned with global ESG targets.
- Global Technical Support: Backed by Kaneka R&D centers in Japan, Belgium, and the U.S.
- Localization Strategy: Thai production tailored to meet regional cost-efficiency and regulatory standards.
Financial and Production Capacity
- Estimated Revenue (Thailand Operations): $40M–$60M USD annually
- Manufacturing Facilities: Located in Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate (Rayong)
- Monthly Foam Output: Over 2,000 metric tons of Eperan™ products
- Workforce: Over 150 technical and production employees
Export and Distribution Records
- Export Destinations: Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Japan, and Germany
- Primary Export Categories:
- Automotive packaging (foam inserts)
- Food processing ingredients for industrial bakeries
- Polyimide films for electronics and renewable energy sectors
- Distribution Channels:
- Direct OEM partnerships
- Regional B2B distributors
- Food manufacturing groups
Target Markets
- Automotive and Transport OEMs
- Electronics and Appliance Manufacturers
- Industrial Bakery Chains
- Diagnostic Healthcare Providers
- Sustainable Packaging Companies
Operational Capabilities
- R&D Transfer From Japan: Adaptation of Kaneka’s patented materials for ASEAN-specific applications
- Custom Formulation: Bespoke ingredient development for food clients
- Advanced Polymer Processing Lines: For foam molding and expansion
- Regulatory Documentation: Full compliance support for RoHS, REACH, Thai FDA, and other regional authorities
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
- HACCP and GMP (Food Ingredients Division)
- RoHS/REACH Compliant Materials
- Compliant with Thailand’s Industrial Estate Authority Regulations
Customer Testimonials
“Kaneka’s foamed polypropylene helped us reduce vehicle bumper weight by 20% without compromising crash absorption.”
— Procurement Engineer, Tier 1 Automotive Supplier, Malaysia
“Their bakery fat line has improved our dough softness and extended shelf life in hot climates.”
— Product Development Lead, Industrial Bakery, Thailand
Major Achievements
- Established Thailand subsidiary as ASEAN hub for Kaneka foamed plastics since early 2000s
- Delivered biomass-based packaging solutions to multinational consumer goods companies
- Participated in Thailand 4.0 Smart Industry Consortium for sustainable materials
- Expanded exports of food ingredients into over 10 countries across Asia Pacific by 2023
