Kuraray America, Inc. Suppliers’ Portal

The following policies apply to all goods and services provided by Kuraray America, Inc.

• Except as specifically set forth in an agreement with Kuraray America, Inc., purchase orders are the only approved methods Kuraray America, Inc., uses for procuring goods and services.

• Goods may not be shipped, and work may not begin until an agreement and/or a purchase order has been entered into between Kuraray America, Inc., and the supplier.

• It is mandatory to provide a signed acknowledgement copy of the Purchase Order, internal order entry, or email confirmation before work may begin.

• Kuraray America, Inc., only pays for goods and services specified in the Purchase Order. Kuraray America, Inc., does not pay for goods shipped in excess of the specified quantity or for work that is not specified in the Purchase Order.

• Kuraray America, Inc., standard purchase order terms, and conditions apply to all procured goods and services, unless contractually agreed to otherwise by Kuraray America, Inc., and the supplier.

In order to process Suppliers invoices in an efficient and timely manner all invoicing must follow the agreed upon payment terms in the purchase order and must be in strict accordance with Kuraray’s invoicing instructions as set forth in the Invoicing Instructions below.

View the Invoicing Instructions Document

At Kuraray America, Inc., we recognize that it is a privilege to work with a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities located in Houston, Texas, Fayetteville, NC, Washington Works, WV, Wilmington, DE and a vast network of supply from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America, Inc., key stakeholders have high expectations for how we do business—with integrity and with a focus on people and the planet—to achieve what no one else can. We hold our staff, and those we work with, accountable for operating with the highest ethical standards each and every day.

Our values

• Respect for individuals.
• Cooperation to attain shared goals.
• The constant creation of new value.
• Ethics and Compliance.
• Safety and Health of our employees and contracted partners.
• Global Procurement Sustainability

Reflecting on the increasingly global nature of Kuraray America, Inc., business, as well as the importance of our relationships with suppliers to achieve our mission, Kuraray expects suppliers to firmly adhere to ethical principles for labor, health and safety, environment, management systems and supply transparency. Further, Kuraray expects suppliers to determine how to meet, demonstrate and integrate in its conduct compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and principles. To continue supporting our goal to achieve what no one else can, Kuraray expects suppliers to apply these principles into continuous improvement efforts that are aimed at advancing performance over time.

For more information please visit:

https://kuraray.us.com/about/code-of-conduct/

The Kuraray Group has established the principles to be followed in our interactions with diverse societies as “Our Commitment” and the guidelines for concretely putting these items into practice in our corporate activities, and we are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities as a good corporate citizen. As part of these efforts, the Kuraray Group formulated its “CSR Procurement Policy” in 2005 based on the “10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact”, which are universal international principles that are key for the sustainability of business, people and the planet.

In order to further promote sustainable procurement, including respect for human rights, environmental conservation, emphasis on compliance, and promotion of diversity throughout the entire Procurement, the “CSR Procurement Policy” has been revised as the “Sustainable Procurement Policy” and positioned as our global procurement policy at the same time.

In order to fulfill our responsibility to the entire Procurement from a global perspective, collaboration with our suppliers is critical. We will make it the basis of our purchasing transactions to promote sustainable procurement throughout the entire Procurement by encouraging not only us but also our business partners to make such efforts.

For more information please visit:

https://www.kuraray.com/csr/report2024/supplychain

All potential suppliers must be qualified prior to becoming an approved Supplier for Kuraray America, Inc. Suppliers must meet the following minimum requirements and criteria:

• Proven Industry Experience – Minimum of 5 years in operation.

• Financial Stability – Subject to a D&B assessment upon request.

• Supply Capability – Demonstrated ability to meet demand.

• Reliability & Supply Assurance – Consistent and dependable service.

• Quality Assurance System – Established processes to ensure product/service quality.

• Technical Expertise & Certifications – Relevant industry qualifications and credentials.

• HSE&S Compliance – Adherence to Responsible Care and safety standards.

• Safety Record – Zero accident history preferred.

• Physical Presence – Established office or manufacturing facility.

• Company Website – Detailed information on operations and contact details.

• ISN Network Registration – If Applicable.

• Contractual Agreement – Acceptance of Kuraray’s Standard Terms & Conditions or execution of a mutually agreed Master Services Agreement (MSA), if applicable.

• Insurance Compliance – Adherence to Kuraray Insurance Requirements, and Enrollment in the Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP), if applicable.

• Supplier Onboarding – Completion of setup forms, site access requirements, and submission of an insurance certificate.

• Safety & Training Compliance – Adherence to site-specific training and safety protocols.

All potential Raw Materials Suppliers must be qualified prior to becoming an approved Suppliers for Kuraray America, Inc. Raw Materials Suppliers must also meet the following minimum requirements and criteria:

• Supply Capability – Produces or distributes material, meets specification and, if necessary, is tested and qualified by the production and quality technical team.

• Reliability & Supply Assurance – Production and/or warehousing capability preferred over brokerage, meets packaging, transportation, and scheduling requirements.

• Quality Assurance System – ISO 9001 and/or other quality certification preferred.

  Note: Suppliers providing material used to produce products withing the scope of an IAFT certification must have either IAFT 16949 or ISO 9001 certification. If the certification is not in place, the Suppliers must be committed to achieving at least ISO 9001 certification and be performing satisfactorily against a Business approved development plan.

• Technical Expertise & Certifications – Ability to provide SDS, COA, quality reports and responses to requests for information regarding the material.

In order to process Suppliers invoices in an efficient and timely manner all invoicing must follow the agreed upon payment terms in the purchase order and must be in strict accordance with Kuraray’s invoicing instructions as set forth in the Invoicing Instructions below.

(a)        Suppliers shall procure and maintain at its sole cost and expense, with insurance companies reasonably satisfactory to Kuraray and authorized to do business in all areas where Services will be performed, and shall furnish (and cause each of its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors to procure, maintain and furnish) to Kuraray copies of insurance certificates, evidencing that it (and they) maintain(s) the following policies, and minimum coverage amounts while performing the Services, subject to the terms and conditions of the policies:

Policy                                                 Minimum Limits

Workers’ Compensation                     Statutory

Employers’ Liability                             $1,000,000

Commercial General Liability            $1,000,000 each occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate                                               

Automobile Liability                            $1,000,000 each occurrence

Umbrella Liability                                $10,000,000 each occurrence

(b)        The foregoing commercial general liability, automobile liability and umbrella liability insurance policies required of Supplier, its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors shall name the Kuraray Group as an additional insured. 

(c)        In addition, each insurance policy and corresponding insurance certificate(s) required by Supplier, its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors shall be endorsed to provide contractual liability for Contractor’s assumed liabilities hereunder, a waiver of subrogation in favor Kuraray Group, and shall be primary insurance coverage for Contractor’s assumed liabilities.  Contractor agrees on its behalf and on behalf of its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors, to release, defend, indemnify and hold the Kuraray Group harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses (including, but not limited to, legal fees and increased insurance premiums) arising out of any breach by Contractor and/or its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors.

Enrollment in Kuraray’s Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) is mandatory for suppliers working for full days at a time (minimum half days) in High-Risk Exposure Areas or Service.

• There is no direct cost to the supplier.

• Workers’ compensation (general liability and excess liability) insurance needs to carve out the supplier’s normal rates.

• Kuraray pays for the OCIP coverage – however the supplier needs to remove any markups for WC, GL and Excess.

• Supplier is required to carry insurance, however if enrolled in OCIP, the supplier will be covered under the WC, GL and Excess through the OCIP when onsite.

• Supplier corporations, WC, GL and Excess insurance cover them outside the Kuraray gates.

Suppliers shall and shall cause its subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and independent contractors who perform the Services at Kuraray’s site and who are eligible for the OCIP to do all the actions and documentations required for the enrollment with the OCIP and abide by the requirements set forth in Kuraray’s then-current OCIP Insurance Manual (the “OCIP Manual”).

OCIP Insurance Manual

The following policies apply to all logistics services provided to Kuraray America, Inc.

• All Suppliers (service providers) must be qualified prior to becoming an approved Suppliers for Kuraray America, Inc. Logistics service providers in this category include companies that provide the following services:

  • Third Party Logistics Providers (3PLs) / Transporters

  • Warehouse Services

  • Freight forwarding

  • Customs House Brokerage (CHB)

  • Air, maritime, rail and over-the-road transport

  • Consulting

  • Value added services

In order to process Logistics invoices in an efficient and timely manner all invoices must be submitted to Kuraray promptly after service date. Invoices must comply with the agreed payment terms in the contract and follow the invoice instructions outlined below.

View the Invoicing Instructions Document

All potential Suppliers must be qualified prior to becoming an approved Suppliers for Kuraray America, Inc. Suppliers must meet the following minimum requirements and criteria:

• Financial Stability – Subject to a D&B assessment.

• Supply Capability – Has capacity, equipment, and availability to perform services.

• Reliability – Demonstrates service reliability through process documentation, references, and audits conducted by the Business Unit.

• Quality Assurance System – ISO 9001 and/or quality certification preferred.

• HSE&S – Related certification such as Responsible Care®, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001 preferred.

Work may only begin, and goods may only be shipped, after a Purchase Order (PO) has been issued and a signed acknowledgment, internal order entry, or email confirmation has been provided.

You must provide signed acknowledgment, internal order confirmation, or email confirmation before beginning any work or shipping any goods.

No. Kuraray only pays for goods and services that are explicitly specified in the Purchase Order. Over-shipments or unauthorized work will not be compensated.

Invoices must strictly follow Kuraray’s Invoicing Instructions and payment terms outlined in the Purchase Order. 

View the Invoicing Instructions Document

Suppliers are expected to comply with the Kuraray Group Code of Conduct, focusing on ethical business practices, sustainability, safety, respect for individuals, and continuous value creation.

Kuraray Code of Conduct

Kuraray’s Sustainable Procurement Policy outlines expectations for suppliers to respect human rights, environmental conservation, compliance, and diversity throughout Procurement.

https://www.kuraray.com/csr/report2024/supplychain

Suppliers must have proven industry experience (minimum 5 years), financial stability, supply capabilities, a good safety record, relevant certifications, insurance compliance, and meet other criteria listed under Suppliers Enrollment Requirements.

Suppliers must maintain Workers’ Compensation, Employers’ Liability, Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Umbrella Liability coverage. Kuraray must be named as an additional insured on relevant policies.

Please see the Procurement> Insurance Requirements section above.

The Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) provides insurance coverage (Workers’ Compensation, General Liability, Excess Liability) for suppliers working on Kuraray sites in high-risk exposure areas. Suppliers must enroll in OCIP and remove any insurance markup costs when billing Kuraray.

View OCIP Insurance Manual

General Procurement Inquiries : kai.procurement@kuraray.com

Accounts Payable : accountspayable@kuraray.com

Logistics Inquiries : TransportVendor@kuraray.com

kai.procurement@kuraray.com

accountspayable@kuraray.com

TransportVendor@kuraray.com